By statutory assignment, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, owns the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and this is where Tony works.
“How can Koung denied knowing Tony?”
Up to press time late last night, public concerns have increasingly grown to the extent that some citizens have questioned Koung and Tony versions of truth telling when they appeared on Spoon-talk show.
The publisher of FrontPage Africa newspaper, Rodney D. Sieh has meanwhile, called on VP Koung to explain his relationship with individuals linked to the ongoing drug probe.
Sieh told Koung to publicly explain his relationship with individuals whose names have surfaced in the ongoing investigation into the reported US$19.2 million drug recently intercepted at the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
He spoke on Prime Time Liberia, where he denied accusing VP Koung of involvement in drug trafficking, but said, recent photographs and reported associations have raised public questions that deserve an official response.
“We are not saying anybody is involved in the drugs saga. We are not saying anyone is trying to traffic drugs. But when something like this happens, and you are the vice president, and photographs surfaced showing people associated with you, I think Liberians deserve to know how close you are to those individuals.”
Sieh added that Liberians have been making connections between VP Koung, and individuals reportedly linked to the investigation, including Tony and Michael Brown.
According to Sieh, Koung should clearly state his relationship with them, and distance himself from any alleged wrongdoings if he has no connection to the case.
He expressed concern over reports that some individuals connected to the investigation have “gone missing,” and questioned how Michael Brown was reportedly released from prison.
Sieh said, he believes the circumstances surrounding Brown’s release should be fully explained.
He maintained that his comments were not an accusation, but a call for transparency. He argued that public officials have a duty to address issues that generate widespread public concern.
Sieh said, a public statement from VP Koung would help clear the air, and reassure Liberians amid the ongoing drug investigation.
Koung Rejects drug Links
However, in less than 24 hours shortly Mr. Sieh’s statement, VP Koung rejected allegations Sieh made, suggesting he is associated with individuals allegedly connected to the reported US$19.2 million drug case. Sieh had argued that VP Koung should publicly explain photographs showing him with some people alleged to have links to the ongoing drug investigation.
Koung said, the photographs were taken during public and private events where he routinely interacts with many people. He denied knowing anyone of the individuals identified in the allegations.
Koung also reiterated his earlier position that any member of his family, friends, political associates or employees found to be involved in drug-related activities should face the full force of the law.
He said, his appearance in photographs with individuals should not be interpreted as evidence of any personal relationship or knowledge of their alleged activities. Koung meanwhile, rejected Sieh’s allegation on Spoon TV Sunday, June 5, that: “I have an association with one Anthony seen in a group photo with me, who he alleged to have a link to drug related activities.” “As Vice President, I do take photos with many individuals at public and private events. I do not know Anthony, and the photo taken does not suggest my knowledge of any personal dealings he may be involved with. As I stated when Clifford Payne, an official of the Group of 77, was arrested on November 24, 2025, in connection with allegations arising from a suspected drug case, I still maintain that if my wife, children, relatives, friends, political associates, and employees, are connected to any drug related activities, they should face the full weight of the law.”
Anthony “Tony” Denuka Version
Anthony Denuka, alias Tony, has provided clarity on his relationship with VP Koung on the Spoon talk.
“Firstly, I want to make one correction. The picture shown on the aircraft is not Michael Brown. That is Oscar Brown, not Michael Brown. I worked at RIA from 2011. I later resigned in 2019, after becoming frustrated, and moved on to my own businesses, including money exchanging, and a boutique business. I have not worked at the airport since then. Michael Brown was someone I know from the airport. He used to come around, and we would occasionally interact, but since I left the airport, we have had no connection. I cannot even remember the last time we spoke. It has been more than a year. I decided to support the Unity Party, because I believe in VP Koung’s leadership. I admire the way he leads and speaks, so I gave him my loyalty. The photos of me with the VP were taken during his birthday celebration, and another visit to his office. I even designed one of the photos myself, and used it as my WhatsApp and Facebook profile picture, because I support his leadership. There is nothing connecting me to the VP other than my support for him as a leader. I have absolutely no knowledge of the 19-million-dollar drug case. I have no connection to it, no connection to Michael Brown regarding drugs, and I have never discussed it with anyone. I have never taken Michael Brown to meet the VP. As far as I know, they have never met. Michael Brown is a CDC supporter, and has never been someone who supports the UP. The VP does not know Michael Brown. If he knows the name today, it is probably because of everything being discussed publicly. I got my job at the National Lottery Authority through the normal recruitment process. I applied, went through interviews, qualified, and was hired. The VP had nothing to do with my employment. I have never deleted any pictures from my Facebook page. If any photos are there, they are still there. Why would I delete them? No security agency has questioned me, because I have absolutely nothing to do with this matter.
Michael Brown is not my best friend. My close friends are very few, and they are all professionals. Michael Brown cannot be described as one of my close friends. I know Oscar Brown from the airport, but I cannot remember the last time we spoke. I did not speak to Oscar Brown after this case started, and I did not encourage him to travel to Ghana. My phone records can be checked. Investigators are more sophisticated than any of us. My call logs are there. Anyone can verify whether I communicated with Oscar Brown. I have children, and I strongly oppose drugs. If you check my social media, you will even find posts where I campaign against drugs.
We should focus on the investigation instead of attacking personalities. If anyone is guilty, let the investigators determine that. Personally, I have nothing to do with this case. I believe in the VP’s leadership, and I will continue to support him.”
Rodney Sieh’s closing remarks
“It’s good that Tony came on the program. Investigators can examine his phone records to determine whether he communicated with the individuals in question. This is about our country, not about targeting anyone personally.
We all have a responsibility to ensure this drug issue is fully investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice.”
Source: Nyantee Genero Samuel Togba./KNews.com
