Chief of Operations at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Major Abraham Okai Payne, has strongly dismissed allegations suggesting that he ordered the release of his daughter and other drug suspects, following the circulation of a leaked audio.
The recording, which surfaced late Monday, allegedly captures Payne instructing a junior officer to cover up an arrest involving drug users and dealers. The audio quickly drew public outrage, with critics calling for accountability and warning that the incident, if true, could damage confidence in the LDEA’s fight against narcotics.
But Payne has categorically denied any involvement. Speaking to journalists, he described the voice in the recording as “not his,” insisting that the tape was artificially generated to smear his reputation.
“That recording is not me,” Payne said. “It’s a fake, AI-generated tape created to damage my character.”
So far, neither the LDEA nor the Ministry of Justice has issued an official statement on the matter. Civil society groups, however, are already pushing for an independent investigation to establish the authenticity of the audio and ensure transparency.
For Payne, the issue is less about the recording itself and more about what he sees as an orchestrated attempt to undermine his standing within the agency and the public. As Liberia continues its battle against narcotics abuse, the case has become a flashpoint, placing both Payne’s reputation and the LDEA’s credibility under intense scrutiny.
Listen to the full interview with OK FM Journalist Nyantee Togba.
