Published: October 10, 2024
MONROVIA — Suspended Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) boss, Col. Abraham Kromah, took the stand again on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to defend himself against accusations from George Obi, alias Japan, a notorious figure in the drug trade. The testimony, however, took a twist when the focus shifted to allegations that Kromah owes Japan $2,700—a claim that Kromah vehemently denies.
Japan, who is facing drug-related charges, claimed that Kromah, during his tenure as Director-General of the LDEA, owed him a significant sum of money for car spare parts. According to Japan, after multiple failed attempts to collect the debt, Kromah allegedly used his position to execute a search and seizure at Japan’s residence, during which drugs were allegedly planted to frame him.
Kromah, while on the witness stand, dismissed the claims. “I don’t owe Japan anything,” he stated. “Obi never allowed customers to owe him money. If you owed him even five cents, he would immediately send his boys after you to collect it. So, it is inconceivable that I would owe him $2,700 and not face serious repercussions.”
The question of whether Kromah used his power to retaliate against Japan remains central to the case. Defense lawyers pressed Kromah on his knowledge of Japan’s drug activities, asking when he became aware of Japan’s involvement in the illicit drug trade. Kromah maintained that he only discovered Japan’s criminal activities after becoming the head of the LDEA, relying on intelligence from state security and community members.
“I didn’t know Japan was dealing drugs. I only knew him as a car spare parts businessman,” Kromah testified, expressing shock when he learned of Japan’s drug connections. He also stressed that their prior relationship was strictly business, denying any personal animosity.
Despite Kromah’s denial of owing Japan money, the accusation raises concerns about possible corruption and abuse of power within the LDEA. This case is now under intense public scrutiny, as many wonder whether Kromah’s actions were motivated by a personal vendetta against Japan.
In a related development, following his testimony, two women publicly honored Kromah for his dedication to fighting drugs, urging President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to reinstate him as Director of the LDEA. The women praised his efforts to curb the spread of narcotics, which they said are devastating Liberia’s youth.
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