Criminal Court 'C' Convicts PPAL Program Manager for Looting Over $200K in Corruption Scandal as LACC Tightens Grip On Public Theft

Monrovia, Liberia: Criminal Court ‘C’ has handed down a guilty verdict against Madam Enree B. Neeplo, Program Manager of the Planned Parenthood Association of Liberia (PPAL), following her indictment by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) on multiple counts of economic sabotage and financial impropriety.

By: Abraham Sylvester Panto

According to a ruling issued Friday, April 25, 2025, Criminal Court Judge Blamo Dixon found that the defendant, Madam Neeplo, was guilty of diverting over US$200,000 in public funds entrusted to PPAL under the guise of service delivery and youth empowerment programs.

Judge Dixon has also imposed a statutory fine of US$300 and ordered full restitution of the misappropriated amount.

The prosecution established, beyond reasonable doubt, that Madam Neeplo violated several provisions of Liberia’s Penal Code, including Chapter 15 on Economic Sabotage, by unlawfully disbursing funds and converting public property for personal gain.

Specific acts of misuse of public funds involved the procurement of a PEWETTA vehicle, a Ford Everest SUV, laptop computers, and fictitious catering and youth engagement services.

Meanwhile, Judge Dixon stated in his ruling that the weight of evidence presented during the bench trial, including financial records, procurement documents, and corroborated testimonies, demonstrated a sustained pattern of fraud, conspiracy, and intentional abuse of entrusted resources.

Madam Neeplo’s conviction stems from a broader July 2024 case in which several senior officials of PPAL were found guilty of similar charges by a trial jury.

The defendant, having petitioned for a separate trial, was prosecuted independently but was found guilty of allegations of collusion and mismanagement.

Other officials previously convicted in the same financial misconduct trial include Madam Miatta K.K. Kojolo, Mr. Ernest Vobah, Mr. Peter Collins, and William Gibson.

Their convictions signify a deep institutional failure within PPAL and signal increased scrutiny on civil society actors managing public or donor-aligned funds.

Pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Law, Judge Dixon has mandated the Clerk of Court to liaise with the Ministry of Justice in initiating a pre-sentencing investigation, which will inform the final determination of consequences in line with Chapter 50 of the Penal Code.