14/07/2025
For Immediate Release!
July 14, 2025
CDC-COP Petitions 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...
We, 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
