Monrovia—The Liberia National Police’s Professional Standards Department has recommended the dismissal of Assistant Commissioner Sam S. D. Gballah and Patrolman Augustine Ben, over allegations of unlawful arrest, extortion, and harassment.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The allegations surfaced following an incident that occurred on October 12, 2024, at the Luxury Hotel in Thinker Village, Paynesville City, where two foreign nationals, Dean Nyugun and Levan Tu, and a local Liberian, identified only as Johnson, were reportedly targeted by police while attempting to conduct business in Liberia.
The incident gained public attention after being discussed on various media entities—where it was claimed that the officers unlawfully seized $24,000 in cash from the foreign nationals purportedly in connection with an investment in gold mining.
Following the media reports, Inspector General of Police, Gregory O.W. Coleman, mandated an investigation into the allegations of police impropriety, which included unlawful searches and seizures.
Details from the investigation revealed that the arrest of the foreign nationals was conducted without a warrant. Eyewitness accounts and written testimonies from the victims’ lawyers suggest that the police operations lacked legal justification, violating fundamental rights as delineated in the Liberian Constitution.
Counselors Lafayette Gould and Koisee I.N. Garmo II, representing the foreign investors, provided compelling testimonies regarding the chaotic arrest and subsequent mishandling of their clients’ funds and personal belongings by the police. During their detention, they alleged that ACP Gballah extracted a portion of the seized funds without consent, leading to allegations of theft and bribery.
The investigation also uncovered procedural errors by the officers involved.
According to the investigation findings, the arresting officers reportedly failed to follow protocols required for detaining individuals, including obtaining valid warrants or lawful justification for their actions.
“The high-profile nature of the foreign nationals’ business dealings further complicated the situation, raising concerns about the integrity of the Police operations and the potential impact on investor relations in Liberia”, the LNP’s report stated.
Recommendations Moving Forward
The Professional Standards Department’s findings prompted recommendations for dismissal of ACP Gballah and Patrolman Ben for gross misconduct, including the unlawful invasion of privacy and failure to account for seized property. The investigation also calls for further inquiries into the actions of Johnson, the alleged gold seller involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police has assured the public that the LNP will always maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity as it investigates these allegations and implements necessary corrective measures to restore public trust in law enforcement and protect foreign investments in Liberia.
As this investigation unfolds, it spotlights the pressing need for police reform and adherence to legal protection measures to ensure that individual rights are upheld and that criminal activity is addressed lawfully.