The Office of Liberia’s First Lady, Katumu Boakai is facing scrutiny amid a growing fraud scandal involving senior official Varfee Holmes.
They have been accused of defrauding Liberians of thousands of dollars by falsely promising scholarship opportunities abroad.
According to reports, at least two victims claimed Holmes solicited $2,000 from each of them, assuring guaranteed access to study programs in London. However, after receiving the payments, they allege no further communication or support was provided.
In a recent interview, Holmes admitted to collecting the money but described it as payment for a “partially funded scholarship.” This statement contradicts the victims’ understanding that the scholarships were supposed to be fully funded.
Public outrage continues to grow as civil society groups and ordinary citizens criticize the administration’s lack of transparency.