Monrovia – The Administration of MDMC Categorical, Inc. has sharply condemned what it calls an “unprovoked and reckless armed raid” on the house of its Chief Govt Officer and Normal Supervisor, Mr. John S. Youboty, allegedly carried out by operatives of the Belongings Restoration Taskforce and officers believed to be from the Liberia Nationwide Police.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In a strongly worded assertion issued on Monday, MDMC described the early morning incident on Friday, November 7, 2025, as a “deliberate and well-executed armed assault” that resulted within the “unlawful arrest and incarceration” of its CEO on the Monrovia Central Jail (generally often called South Seashore).
The corporate stated such actions are counterproductive to the federal government’s funding drive and danger tarnishing Liberia’s picture as a protected atmosphere for enterprise.
“This isn’t the best way company entities the world over are handled, particularly after they have legitimate and energetic contracts with authorities establishments,” the assertion stated.
Background of the Dispute
On September 12, 2023, the Ministry of International Affairs, represented on the time by its Performing Minister, Thelma Duncan Sawyer, entered right into a civil works contract with Mr. John S. Youboty of MDMC Categorical Integrated for the renovation of the Ministry’s constructing. The contract, valued at US$1,949,999.72, was anticipated to be accomplished inside three months — from September 12 to December 31, 2023.
In line with the Belongings Restoration and Property Monitoring (AREPT) Chairman, Cllr. Edward Kla Martin, an investigation revealed that the Ministry of International Affairs made full fee to MDMC, representing 100% of the contract worth.
Martin said that an impartial architectural appraisal discovered that no certificates of completion was issued, and solely 56.35 p.c of the work, valued at US$1,098,863.58, was truly accomplished. The remaining 43.65 p.c, valued at US$851,136.13, was not accomplished — regardless of MDMC having already obtained full fee.
AREPT additional disclosed that the funds used for the challenge had been a part of a US$2.5 million donation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Authorities of Liberia for the renovation of the Ministry’s first by way of fifth flooring, together with the complete car parking zone, and for the donation of rice to catastrophe victims.
“These findings kind the idea upon which Thelma Duncan Sawyer, former Deputy Minister for Administration; John S. Youboty, CEO of MDMC Categorical; Joseph C. Goodridge, Mission Supervisor of MDMC; and different representatives of the corporate have been indicted for Theft of Property and Felony Facilitation,” Cllr. Martin stated.
AREPT has additionally really useful that the Authorities of Liberia disengage from all current and pending contractual preparations with MDMC Categorical Integrated, citing the corporate’s indictment.
MDMC’s Response
In response to the allegations, MDMC Categorical Integrated clarified that it entered into two separate civil works contracts with the Ministry of International Affairs — on Could 5 and September 12, 2023 — masking the renovation of the Ministry’s sixth, fifth, 4th, third, 2nd, and 1st flooring, in addition to the basement (Passport Part) and the set up of three new elevators.
The corporate stated the full challenge value of US$1,949,999.72, funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was totally executed, together with a six-month defects and legal responsibility interval, which expired over a yr in the past. The elevator guarantee, it added, stays legitimate till January 31, 2026.
MDMC detailed that the civil works had been executed in three phases:
first Section: fifth, 4th, and Floor flooring – US$779,999.88 (40%), second Section: 1st, 2nd, and third flooring – US$682,499.90 (35%) and third Section: Basement (Passport Part) and pavement works – US$194,999.97 (15%).
As well as, the corporate stated the Ministry requested additional works outdoors the unique Invoice of Amount (BOQ), costing an extra US$526,870.24, which stays unpaid.
The corporate additionally famous that the contract offers for arbitration because the mechanism for resolving disputes, somewhat than “arbitrary actions” corresponding to arrests or intimidation.
MDMC claimed that when it requested last fee, the International Ministry sought a authorized opinion from the Ministry of Justice relating to the “change order” licensed by the previous Deputy Minister for Administration, Mrs. Consolation Sawyer.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, in response to MDMC, responded on December 24, 2024, advising MOFA to pay MDMC US$487,499.94 for work already carried out beneath the mutually executed contract; and represent a technical evaluation group—together with representatives from Public Works, the Normal Providers Company, MOFA, and MDMC—to confirm further work accomplished beneath the change order.
The corporate stated the International Ministry “ignored” each suggestions. The ministry is but to reply to MDMC’s allegations.
Rebuking the Belongings Restoration Taskforce
MDMC additional accused the Belongings Restoration Taskforce, chaired by Cllr. Edwin Kla Martin, of “usurping features outdoors its authorized mandate” beneath Govt Order No. 145, which established the Taskforce.
The corporate dismissed as “false, speculative, and deceptive” an alleged indictment containing 18 counts reportedly ready in opposition to it, arguing that the Taskforce has no authority to revisit or override authorized opinions already rendered by the Minister of Justice, who’s the federal government’s principal authorized advisor.
“For the Belongings Restoration Taskforce to have ventured into issues already addressed by the Minister of Justice suggests severe disorganization and overreach that undermine the functioning of the Taskforce and threaten the enterprise local weather,” MDMC asserted.
The corporate described the Taskforce’s actions as a “witch-hunt” and “abuse of energy” which have inflicted grave reputational and psychological hurt on its CEO and the agency. It vowed to pursue “authorized reciprocity” in opposition to these accountable.
Name for Justice and Accountability
MDMC concluded by reaffirming its dedication to lawful enterprise practices and transparency, warning that the scenario displays deeper points in Liberia’s justice and governance programs.
“If this might occur to us, then the system of justice is wanting,” the corporate warned.
“We is not going to relent till these chargeable for this unprovoked assault and reputational injury are held accountable earlier than the justice system of Liberia.”
