Monrovia-September 21, 2021: The National Civil Society Council of Liberia shas been informed by media sources that Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephus, the Solicitor General of Liberia was heard on an audio recording having a conversation with Ms. Ellen Corkrum in which Ms. Corkrum asked Cllr. Cyphus if she could transfer US$4,000 to Cllr. Cephas on the request of Ofori Diah to perform a ritualistic sacrifice in her favor. In the recording, Ms. Conkrum also mentioned that Cllr. Cyphus, who earlier reportedly instigated the dropping of a corruption case against her, is aware of the ritualistic sacrifice and has been involved in such a practice.

This alarming situation scopes two grave concerns: ritualistic appeal and corruption, both of which seriously claim the attention of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia. In view of this, the Council requests Cllr. Saymah Serina Cyphus to immediately respond to allegation about his involvement in ritualistic killings and also explain his relationship with Ms. Ellen Corkrum in light of allegation that he reportedly instigated the dropping of a corruption case against Ms. Corkrum.

Evidently, the Solicitor General post of Liberia is not a marginal position and the continuous silence of Cllr. Cephus amidst these grave allegations against him is very conspicuous. Already, news about Cllr. Cephus alleged involvement in ritualistic killings had evoked negative sensation in the public, cast an ugly stereotype on the judicial system and threatens to undermine the confidence of Liberians in the Government’s ability to guarantee the peace and security of citizens and residents in the country. More consequential, the news of Cllr. Cephus alleged involvement in ritualistic appeal is fanning in Liberia at a time disturbing patterns of ritualistic killings in the country are reportedly taking place. Even though ritualistic appeal is not easily proven in a Court of law in Liberia, it is evident that such a feared practice exists and undermines the country’s peace and security.

Added to this issue is the need for the Solicitor General to explain the nature of his relationship with Ms. Ellen Corkrum in light of the earlier mentioned corruption case. Left unaddressed, the impression is that the Solicitor General is conflicted and compromised.

The National Civil Society Council of Liberia believes the integrity, legal independence and judicial judgment of the Solicitor General of Liberia is crucial. We therefore strongly hold that the silence of the Solicitor General is concerning and his continuous role in administering justice in Liberia amidst myriad of allegations against him further injures the public image of the judiciary and fuel negative public perception about the Government’s passivity in the fight against corruption.

Therefore, the Council urgently requests Cllr. Cephus to address allegations involving him, particularly concerning the ritualistic appeal and to explain his relationship with Ms. Ellen Corkrum in light of reported allegation that he instigated the dropping of a corruption case against Ms. Corkrum.

Cllr. Cephus, for the integrity of Liberia’s justice system, please urgently address allegations against you!

Meanwhile, the Council also requests the president of Liberia to instruct and empower the security forces of Liberia to enforce the law to the letter and bring under control the increasing situation of ritualistic killings.