By Matalay S. Kollie
The Liberia National Police’s Bong County Detachment has forwarded two suspected Burkinabé nationals to the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Harouna Ouedalaogo, 44, and Barchezu Sone, 42, were arrested on Sunday, May 4, 2025, during a major operation in Gballai’s Village, Zota Wolapolu District. The arrests followed a tip-off from Leo Doerue, a geologist with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, who has been stationed in the Wainsue Mining District for seven months.
Police, joint security forces, and local officials reportedly found the suspects engaged in illicit mining. They were discovered with various toxic chemicals and documents allegedly linking them to other Burkinabé nationals who escaped the area before law enforcement’s arrival.
According to the police charge sheet, the suspects entered Liberia in December 2024 and began operations in January 2025. They claimed they were granted verbal authorization by village chief John Gballai and Mining Chairman Paul Gballai—believed to be father and son—after paying a fee of USD 1,000 to mine from January through June.
As investigations deepen, authorities have launched a manhunt for John Gballai, Paul Gballai, and another suspect identified as Hamilton Suahlou, who are believed to be connected to the case. If apprehended, they will also be prosecuted under the jurisdiction of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court.
Ouedalaogo and Sone face multiple charges, including fraud on the Internal Revenue of Liberia (Section 15.80), criminal conspiracy (Section 10.4), and theft of property (Section 15.51). They are currently detained at the Gbarnga Central Prison, awaiting trial.
The case has stirred public concern over possible lapses in immigration oversight, with questions raised about how the suspects entered Liberia. The Liberia Immigration Services has come under scrutiny amid these developments.
In response, Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris is calling for stronger coordination with the Ministry of Mines and the Environmental Protection Agency to address the broader implications of illegal mining and environmental degradation.
