03/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE RESPONDS TO FALSE AND MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS REGARDING THE HANS ARMSTRONG MATTER
The Ministry of Justice has taken note of recent false, misleading, and highly unfortunate allegations being circulated on social media and through certain media platforms concerning the matter involving Mr. Hans Armstrong and heavy-duty mining equipment located in Sackie Town, Senjeh District, Bomi County, Republic of Liberia.
The Ministry categorically and unequivocally rejects any claim that the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Sr., has stalled justice, interfered with the indictment of any person, protected any accused individual, or compromised the prosecution of this matter for personal, fraternal, social, political, or any other improper reason.
These allegations are untrue, unsupported, and inconsistent with the record.
For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Hans Armstrong has already obtained favorable rulings from the courts of Liberia. The courts have recognized his ownership interest in the equipment and have ruled in his favor in proceedings connected to this matter. That fact alone demonstrates that the justice system has not been shut against Mr. Armstrong, and it completely undermines the false suggestion that the Minister of Justice is stalling justice or preventing Mr. Armstrong from obtaining legal redress.
The Ministry further clarifies that its recent involvement in this matter was not arbitrary. On February 3, 2026, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia issued a directive to the Minister of Justice concerning the investigation and prosecution of the alleged unlawful destruction of private property in Bomi County. Pursuant to that Presidential Directive, the Minister of Justice transmitted the matter for appropriate prosecutorial action, and the County Attorney of Montserrado County appointed a Special Prosecution Team headed by Atty. John F. Dexter Puiyoye and Cllr. Isaac B. Williams.
The Special Prosecution Team was mandated to assume prosecutorial responsibility for all criminal aspects of the matter, including investigation oversight, review of evidence, preparation of indictments where warranted, and prosecution of related offenses in coordination with relevant law enforcement and judicial authorities. The Team was further instructed to act independently, impartially, and strictly in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
It is therefore false to suggest that the Minister of Justice personally controlled, manipulated, or obstructed the prosecutorial process.
The Special Prosecution Team conducted interviews, visited the relevant locations, reviewed court records, examined prior proceedings, gathered statements from persons of interest, and submitted an investigative report. Among other things, the report recognized that Mr. Hans Armstrong is the rightful owner of the equipment and that there had been interference with his ability to take possession of same. The report also made recommendations for further prosecutorial and judicial action.
These facts clearly show that the Ministry of Justice did not suppress Mr. Armstrong’s complaint. To the contrary, the matter was elevated, investigated, and reported on pursuant to the directive of the President of Liberia.
The Ministry also notes that before the Presidential Directive was issued, based upon a complaint from Mr. Armstrong, Ministry had already commenced an investigation of the matter. However, while that process was ongoing, Mr. Armstrong proceeded to present his complaint to the Office of the President. Following the President’s directive, the Ministry acted accordingly and caused the matter to be handled through the prosecutorial channel mandated by the President.
At no point did the Minister of Justice instruct any prosecutor to protect any accused person. At no point did the Minister of Justice direct that an indictment be blocked. At no point did the Minister of Justice interfere with the courts. Any statement suggesting otherwise is false.
The Ministry is particularly concerned that serious allegations are being made publicly without evidence and in a manner clearly calculated to damage public confidence in the justice system. The Ministry respects the right of every citizen and resident to criticize public institutions; however, that right does not include the right to mislead the public, distort official action, or manufacture claims of misconduct where the record shows otherwise.
The Minister of Justice is not above the law. No public official is above the law. If Mr. Armstrong or any other party believes that any court order has been violated, or that any public official has obstructed the enforcement of a court ruling, the courts of Liberia remain open. A party who believes that a court’s judgment or mandate is being frustrated may pursue the appropriate legal remedies, including a Bill of Information or any other remedy available under Liberian law.
Mr. Armstrong is represented by counsel, and the Ministry believes that his counsel is fully aware of the proper legal procedures for seeking enforcement of court orders or challenging any perceived obstruction. These matters are properly addressed before the courts, not through social media propaganda.
The Ministry also reminds the public that criminal prosecution is governed by evidence and law, not public pressure. The Ministry cannot and will not prosecute any person merely because there is public noise. Likewise, it cannot and will not refuse prosecution where credible evidence supports criminal action. Every decision must be based on the record, the law, and the prosecutorial judgment of the appropriate officers.
The Ministry remains committed to the rule of law, the protection of lawful investment, the independence of the courts, and accountability for all persons who violate the law. It also remains committed to ensuring that all parties, including Mr. Armstrong, receive the protection of the laws of Liberia.
However, the Ministry will not allow false allegations to go unanswered. The attempt to portray the Minister of Justice as personally stalling justice is baseless and unfair. The record shows the opposite: the matter was brought under Presidential mandate, independent prosecutors were assigned, an investigation was conducted, the ownership rights of Mr. Armstrong were recognized, and recommendations were made for appropriate legal action.
The Ministry therefore calls on the public to disregard unfounded claims intended to create distrust in public institutions. The Ministry encourages all parties to pursue their rights through lawful channels and to refrain from making statements that undermine ongoing legal processes or misrepresent the work of the justice system.
The Ministry of Justice will continue to perform its duties without fear, favor, affection, or ill will, and in strict accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia.
Signed: _________________________________
Jutonu Y. Kollie
DIRECTOR OF PRESS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Ministry of Justice, R.L
Contact: 231776492013/231886517462
Ministry of Justice - Liberia
Press Union of Liberia
U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia
Liberia National Police - LNP
United Nations Human Rights
Executive Mansion-Liberia
Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission LACC
Ministry of Information
Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia
Independent National Commission on Human Rights - INCHR
Liberia National Fire Service
Office Of The County Attorney For Sinoe County.
EYE TV Liberia MEDIA
OHCHR Liberia
