DN News Liberia has reliably gathered that the Ministry of Justice, through its Department of Rehabilitation, has suspended its Medical Coordinator, Foldela Sugar Kwaidah, for allegedly extorting money from families of inmates under the pretense of securing their release either through Executive Clemency or Medical Leave.
According to credible sources at the Monrovia Central Prison, Kwaidah reportedly collected thousands of dollars from various families, promising to have their relatives freed by including their names on the President’s clemency list or by granting them medical leave. Executive clemency is typically granted by the President during major holidays such as Christmas and Independence Day (July 26).
However, following the most recent clemency announcement, many of the inmates whose families had paid bribes were not among those released. This led to outrage among relatives, with at least one family filing a formal complaint prompting Kwaidah’s suspension.
When contacted, Assistant Minister for Rehabilitation, Atty. Gabriel F. Ndupellar, confirmed that Kwaidah had been suspended indefinitely but declined to provide further details.
“She has been asked to stand down while we conduct an investigation,” Ndupellar told DN News. “We are a security institution and cannot disclose further information at this time.”
Sources further claimed that Kwaidah began these activities while her father served as Director of the Bureau of Corrections during the George Weah administration, using her position to collect money in exchange for false promises of clemency or temporary release.
Kwaidah’s suspension reportedly took place two weeks ago and remains indefinite as investigations continue.
She has however not responded to DN News Inquiries.
