Monrovia- CDC-COP has Petitioned the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and the Ministry of Justice on the Alarming Rate of Mysterious Deaths in Liberia; Demands the Immediate Recusal and Investigation of Mr. Elijah Rufus, Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), for His Alleged Role in Two Mysterious Deaths.

The National Executive Council of the CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), in solidarity with the people of Liberia, issue this urgent and solemn call—not for publicity, but out of deep concern for the rising wave of mysterious and brutal deaths that have gripped our nation. Liberia is facing a human rights crisis: in the last 16 months alone, nearly 638 cases of mysterious deaths, ritualistic killings, and unchecked police brutality have gone unpunished. These incidents reflect a growing pattern of impunity that threatens the rule of law and the safety of every Liberian citizen.

The Case of Mayoungor Keleko

On December 31, 2024, the mutilated body of Mayoungor Keleko, a 45-year-old woman, was found in Duwoigomai Town, Voinjama District, Lofa County. She had deep lacerations and a broken neck, and several body parts were missing. A 15-member jury confirmed foul play, and community elders suspected a ritualistic killing.

The primary suspect in the case was 19-year-old Yakpawolo Moisemai, an operative of Commissioner General Elijah Rufus, whose father’s name is Rufus Moisemai. Crucially, there is credible evidence suggesting Mr. Rufus changed his surname from “Moisemai” to “Rufus” in an attempt to distance himself from the case and deflect suspicion.

The Mysterious Death of Yakpawolo Moisemai

While in police custody, Moisemai allegedly agreed to confess and disclose more information regarding Keleko’s murder. However, before any formal statement could be taken, he died under suspicious circumstances. Though he was isolated from other detainees for his safety, he was later found dead—allegedly by suicide. The public widely believes that Mr. Rufus used his influence to orchestrate Moisemai’s death and cover up his own involvement.

On February 17, 2025, six Liberia National Police (LNP) officers who were on duty the night of Moisemai’s death were suspended. The LNP claimed he died by hanging but failed to conduct a criminal investigation or charge any of the officers—actions that appear designed to shield those truly responsible.

An official autopsy report released by the Ministry of Justice on May 26, 2025, concluded that Moisemai died unnaturally and was likely murdered in custody. Yet no arrests have been made to date. This inaction represents a grave miscarriage of justice and raises serious concerns about political interference and a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.

Why Commissioner Rufus Must Recuse Himself

Despite these damaging incidents, Mr. Elijah Rufus remains in office, untouched and uninvestigated. Mr. Francis Nyumalin, Minister of Internal Affairs, has sworn to protect his nephew and has deceived the President about the reality of what actually happened. Minister Nyumalin is shielding a mastermind of two murders from accountability, and President Boakai must be made aware.

Rufus is deeply involved in this case. He unlawfully intervened initially by offering to bury Moisemai, pleaded with the family to avoid an autopsy, and attempted to bribe them with $20,000 USD—a bribe that was rejected by the Citizens Action Committee of Duwoigomai Community and the victim’s family.

The autopsy report has confirmed that Moisemai was murdered in police custody under orders from higher-ups. This, combined with Rufus’s close ties to both victims, constitutes a clear conflict of interest and a serious threat to public trust in our institutions.

We assert that Mr. Rufus is the key beneficiary and principal mastermind behind both deaths—first, of the murder victim, and second, of the silenced teenage suspect used in the act. He must be investigated without fear or favor. President Boakai must hear this truth. His appointed Commissioner of Immigration is allegedly a ritualist, and the Liberian people demand he be held accountable. Justice demands that no one be above the law.

CDC-COP Demands:

• The immediate recusal of Mr. Elijah Rufus from his position as Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service;

• An independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into his potential involvement in the deaths of Mayoungor Keleko and Yakpawolo Moisemai;

• The immediate arrest of all six LNP officers who were on duty the night Moisemai was murdered;

• A call to civil society, the international community, and all justice-seeking Liberians to support this call and ensure that justice is served.

Liberia must not become a nation where the powerful silence the weak and evade accountability through influence and intimidation. If we fail to act now, we risk normalizing impunity and sacrificing justice at the altar of political protection.

Justice for Keleko. Justice for Moisemai. Justice for Liberia.

Signed:
National Executive Council
CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP)