Monrovia-Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge Blamo Dixon has sentenced Enree B. Neeplo, Program Manager of the Planned Parenthood Association of Liberia (PPAL), to 10 years in prison after a guilty verdict for economic sabotage in one of the country’s most high-profile public sector fraud cases in recent years.
In addition to her prison sentence, Neeplo has been ordered to repay over US$200,000 and pay a US$300 fine. The misused funds were linked to unauthorized expenditures, including the purchase of a PEWETTA vehicle, a Ford Everest SUV, laptops, catering services, and youth program funding.
The conviction follows a July 2024 jury verdict and stems from an indictment brought by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which charged Neeplo with theft of property, illegal disbursement of public funds, misuse of entrusted property, fraud on the internal revenue, and criminal conspiracy.
In response to the court’s decision, the LACC issued a statement welcoming the ruling as a landmark moment in Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts. “The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) welcomes the landmark ruling from Criminal Court ‘C’, where Judge Blamo Dixon has sentenced Enree B. Neeplo… for her role in one of the country’s most shocking public sector fraud cases,” the statement read.
The LACC emphasized that the case reinforces its commitment to combating corruption at all levels and ensuring accountability across both government and donor-funded institutions. “We commend the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and delivering justice in this significant case,” the commission added.
Alongside Neeplo, four co-defendants, Miatta K.K. Kojolo, Ernest Vobah, Peter Collins, and William Gibson, were also found guilty. Although Neeplo requested a separate trial, the court denied the motion and tried her jointly with the other accused.
The LACC reiterated that corruption remains a grave threat to Liberia’s development and stressed its unwavering resolve to investigate, prevent, and prosecute corruption wherever it occurs.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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