Sable Mining CEO says $75,000 bribery indictment 'politically motivated'

dimeji akinloye

June 11, 2016 11:23 PM

They are accused of having used their positions to amend Liberia's public procurement and concessions law. They deny the charges and have been released on bail.

President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf addresses attendees during a plenary meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York September 25, 2015. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

Sable Mining Chief Executive Officer

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf last month ordered an inquiry into London AIM-listed Sable's unsuccessful attempt to acquire an iron ore concession in northern Liberia after the watchdog group Global Witness made accusations of wrong-doing.

"Andrew Groves was surprised to learn from media reports that a grand jury in Liberia appears to have indicted him on unspecified charges," Groves's public relations firm said, adding he had not been given a chance to respond to the charges.

Four people, including Parliament speaker Alex Tyler, chairman of Sirleaf's Unity Party Varney Sherman and deputy minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Ernest C.B. Jones, were indicted last month in that case along with Sable Mining.

"Mr Groves believes that these allegations are politically motivated ahead of the imminent presidential elections, and are specifically designed to undermine the candidacy of Varney Sherman ... and Alex Tyler," Grove's statement read.

Liberia will hold a presidential election next year to replace President Sirleaf, who cannot run again due to a constitutional term limit.

READ: Grand jury indicts Sable Mining, officials for bribery

Sherman has acknowledged that his law firm was employed by Sable Mining.

The indictment alleges Tyler requested and received $75,000 to help amend the concessions law.

dimeji akinloye