By: Peter Alwaysthanksful Darblo/Henry B. Gboluma Jr.
Gbarpolu County – Five current and former officials of Gbarpolu County have been formally indicted in connection with a US$425,000 procurement scandal involving three earth-moving machines, commonly referred to as “Yellow Machines.”
Those indicted include: J. Keyah Saah, former Superintendent, Sam K. Zinnah, current Superintendent, Robert Benda, former Chairman of the Project Management Committee (PMC), Anthony Yorkor, former Fiscal Affairs Superintendent and Omoru Sheriff, CEO of City Lion
The indictment was issued on August 14, 2025, by a grand jury at the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Bopolu City.
The officials face multiple charges under Liberia’s New Penal Law (Title 26), including: Economic sabotage, Illegal compensation for government business, Theft of property, Criminal facilitation, Criminal conspiracy, Violations of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) and Public Financial Management (PFM) laws, Criminal solicitation and Tax evasion
Background
The case centers around the purchase of three heavy-duty machines—a bulldozer, an excavator, and a motor grader—approved during the 2023 County Council Sitting in Bopolu City.
These machines were intended to support road construction and maintenance throughout Gbarpolu County.
On July 1, 2025, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) announced travel restrictions on the accused individuals, citing concerns over potential flight risk as investigations into the transaction intensified.
The travel ban remains in effect as legal proceedings continue.
Ongoing Coverage
This developing story has raised concerns about accountability and transparency in local governance.
We will continue to provide daily updates as new information emerges from the court and investigative bodies.
