A staff member in the Office of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, specifically assigned to the Group of 77, was taken into custody on Monday, November 24, 2025. He is accused of trying to bribe officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to secure the release of a relative arrested two days earlier in New Kru Town for alleged drug trafficking. According to the LDEA, Payne was apprehended at St. Paul Bridge after allegedly attempting to negotiate with officers for the release of his family member.
Witnesses claim he engaged in discussions that appeared to be an effort to influence the case, which many residents viewed as an abuse of authority. The incident drew public attention, with community members demanding accountability. The arresting officer explained that Payne came to the office attempting to bribe and was told to stay away from the case. He added that suspects had been arrested in New Kru Town on Saturday with high‑grade kush and that Payne’s intentions would be investigated further. However, speaking from the back of an LDEA pickup, Payne denied the allegations, insisting that he stood against drugs and did not attempt to bribe anyone.
He said that drugs are a non‑bailable crime and should be fought to the core, but claimed his concern was that officers were collecting money. He explained that his relative was in the LDEA cell and that he had only asked the officer to be straightforward, which angered him and led to his arrest. Meanwhile, Attorney Abraham Godsent Wheon, Payne’s lawyer, addressed the matter after a video of the scuffle circulated on Facebook. He clarified that Payne, who also serves as Pastor of Wisdom Ministries International and Deputy Director for Public Relations at the Group of 77, had gone to the LDEA sub‑office to inquire about a friend’s case.
Wheon explained that Payne had received unverified reports that officers were soliciting bribes, and when he confronted the commander, a scuffle broke out. He emphasized that Payne was charged with obstruction of justice, not bribery, which undermines the speculation that he attempted to bribe officers. Payne has since admitted he acted on misinformation, issued a formal statement, and was released to his lawyer. Furthermore, Mr. Wheon highlighted Payne’s contributions as a community leader, founder of Never Stop Learning—an initiative that has trained over 150 teachers and impacted more than 1,000 students across Liberia.
In response to the controversy, Vice President Koung issued a statement distancing himself from Payne’s actions. He stressed that anyone connected to him—whether by blood, marriage, employment, or friendship—who engages in drug‑related activities would face the full weight of the law. Following the incident, Payne has been suspended from his duties at the Group of 77 pending the outcome of the investigation and any legal proceedings.
Author: Victor Quaye
