A British investor embroiled in a US$2.5 million mining equipment dispute in Bomi County has escalated his allegations against Justice Minister, Cllr Oswald Tweh, claiming that Masonic affiliations compromised the handling of the case.
Hans Armstrong, whose heavy-duty mining equipment was allegedly scrapped and sold illegally last year, said on Monday, June 1, that Justice Minister Oswald Tweh “currently serves as a deputy Grand Master” within the Masonic order. Armstrong further alleged that Bomi County Administrative Officer Alphonso M. Sherman, the official indicted for the sale, is also a member of what he called the “grand Masonic Craft.”
Armstrong argued that the purported ties between Minister Tweh and Sherman raise questions of impartiality in the prosecution process. He is now calling for the case to be transferred to an independent prosecutor and for the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to review the Ministry of Justice’s involvement.
According to court records, Armstrong purchased the machinery from Euro Logging Company, dated on the former Itegerm mining operations in Sackie Township, Bomi County. The equipment was valued at US$2.5 million.
On April 12, 2022, Criminal Court “C” in Montserrado County previously entered a final judgment affirming Armstrong’s lawful ownership of the machinery following a prolonged dispute with residents. The case had been transferred from Bomi’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court due to concerns of local prejudice against Armstrong.
The citizens of Sackie Township filed a Bill of Information challenging the judgment of His Honour Judge Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court ‘C,’ awarding the lawful ownership of machinery to Armstrong. Their Bill of Information was heard and subsequently denied on June 23, 2023.
In November of 2025, the 11th Judicial Circuit Court reaffirmed the investor’s legal ownership of the machinery after the Office of Superintendent Miatta Dorley imposed a stay order halting the removal of the equipment from Sackie Township.
Despite these rulings, Armstrong alleged that Sherman illegally scrapped and sold the equipment for US$66,500 to scrap dealer Fatu Kanneh. Kanneh has also been charged in absentia.
Following Armstrong’s October 13, 2025 complaint, the Liberia National Police Bomi County Detachment investigated the case, resulting in Sherman’s arrest on a warrant from the Tubmanburg City Court. However, Armstrong alleged that Justice Minister Tweh has since blocked the indictment due to their alleged Masonic ties.
At Monday’s press conference, Armstrong referenced a November 7, 2025, letter from Minister Tweh calling a conference at the Ministry of Justice. He said the letter accused him of “constantly harassing” Bomi County’s Superintendent and residents. He alleged that at the November 15 conference, Assistant Minister for Litigation, Cllr. Jerry D.K. Garlawolu urged him to compromise the case.
The exchange, Armstrong said, took place in front of Sherman, Superintendent Miatta Dorley, and others despite the Ministry’s role representing him as complainant throughout the case, including in Tubmanburg City Court. “These connections compromised the integrity of the indictment process,” Armstrong said. He maintained that Sherman’s actions were taken with full knowledge of the Montserrado court’s judgment.
The Ministry of Justice has not responded to requests for comment on Armstrong’s latest allegations. Minister Oswald Tweh was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. Alphonso M. Sherman has not publicly addressed the indictment or the allegations regarding Masonic membership. His legal team has not issued a statement. The Grand Lodge of Liberia has not commented on the claims concerning its alleged members.
The Justice Ministry oversees public prosecutions in Liberia. Allegations of conflict of interest involving senior officials are typically referred to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission or to the Grievance and Ethics Committee of the Supreme Court.
Armstrong said he will continue to pursue recovery of the equipment’s value through both criminal and civil actions. The claims made by Hans Armstrong regarding Minister Oswald Tweh’s alleged Masonic position and influence over the indictment are unverified allegations. The individuals named have not responded to these specific claims at the time of publication. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
