Following a comprehensive investigation by the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR) at the Ministry of Justice, two correction officers and an inmate from the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach) have been arrested for allegedly importing and selling drugs inside the prison.
The two correction officers are John Flomo and Thomas Kiazolu, and the inmate is Habib Conteh, who is sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime of Murder.
The report outlines findings from a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Special Investigation and Intelligence Unit (SIU) into allegations of contraband trafficking, illegal possession of communication devices, and illicit mobile money transfers at the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP).
According to the report from the Monrovia Central Prison, the investigation stems from the discovery of four grosses of cigarettes and a half can of marijuana, as well as financial transactions between Inmate Habib Conteh, a lifer, and Officer John Flomo, one of the MCP facility drivers. The discovery of contrabands was successful due to a well-coordinated intelligence received from Roosevelt Varney, Superintendent of the Monrovia Central Prison.
Facts established the discovery of contrabands on May 15, 2025, by the SIU, who confiscated four grosses of sir cigarettes and a half can of marijuana hidden inside the commode tanks of two locked bathrooms at the Monrovia Central Prison.
Also, two grosses of cigarettes were discovered in the commode tank of the Superintendent’s former bathroom, two additional grosses of cigarettes and a half can of marijuana were found in the visitors’ bathroom.
The findings revealed that the visitor’s bathroom key is possessed by Officer Patrick Kollie and Inmate Habib Conteh, who works as a mechanic apprentice at the prison’s workshop.
The report revealed that the Superintendent’s bathroom is opened only when necessary for cleaning, under the supervision of the Monrovia Central Prison Superintendent.
During the investigation, Inmate Habib Conteh alleged that Officer John Flomo, one of MCP’s drivers, delivered the contraband items five days before the discovery by hiding them under the passenger seat of the MCP facility bus.
The investigation also discovered a Mobile Money Transaction Verification where Inmate Conteh admitted transferring L$12,000 to Officer John Flomo, part of an alleged L$21,000 payment for the delivery of the contraband, while the remaining L$1,000 was reportedly paid in cash, summing up to L$13,000.
Inmate Conteh also claimed that the Orange SIM card (0771263174) used to make the transfer was given to him nearly three years ago by Officer Thomas Kiazolu.
Officer Kiazolu was later instructed to accompany Investigator Arthur B. Zotah to the Orange GSM Office to verify the transaction logs.
But Orange Mobile Money system confirmed that L$12,000 was transferred from SIM number 0771263174 (registered in Officer Kiazolu’s name) to SIM number 0770190531, which is registered to Officer John Flomo.
Responding to the allegation, Officer John Flomo initially denied receiving any mobile money transfer or cash from Inmate Conteh, providing an incorrect orange number during initial questioning, which was verified to be false.
Upon presentation of the mobile money transaction confirmation, Officer Flomo changed his narrative, stating that the money was sent to him for cash-out and delivery to Inmate Conteh’s wife, not for trafficking contraband.
Inmate Conteh, when re-confronted with this claim, flatly denied that the money was intended for his wife and reaffirmed it was part of the contraband arrangement.
During the verification process, Officer Flomo failed to input his correct mobile money password, raising suspicion about his intent to obstruct the investigation, while Officer Thomas Kiazolu admitted to giving his SIM card to Inmate Conteh a year ago, but claimed he was not aware it was used for mobile money transactions.
Inmate Conteh admitted to using the SIM card with a basic button phone, allegedly without Officer Kiazolu’s knowledge.
The investigation recommended that based on what had been gathered and analyzed by the Unit, Officer John Flomo should be immediately suspended pending revision by the Internal Disciplinary Board of the Bureau, also including Thomas Kiazolu for the unauthorized distribution of personal communication devices to Inmate Habib Conteh.
The investigators recommend that the BCR review and strengthen key control protocols regarding sensitive areas such as bathrooms and storage facilities, and security re-evaluation of inmates assigned to workshop and mobile units to prevent unauthorized access and illicit trades.
