Monrovia – The Barshell University College has been sued at the 6th Judicial Civil Law Court along with Derrick Barshell for ‘Damages’ in the tune of one million two hundred and sixty thousand United States Dollars (USD$1,260,000.00).
Report by Augustine T. Tweh, [email protected]
Derrick Barshall is the head of the Barshell University, and a brother of District #3 Representative Ceebee C.D. Barshell, owner of the University which is located in Paynesville.
Derrick and the Barshell University was sued by its former dismissed President, Dr. Israel C. Obaisogu on June 10, 2019.
In the lawsuit, Dr. Obaisogu alleges that as the first president, he labored diligently to fulfill the establishment of the university, including ensuring that all requirements of the Commission on Higher Education were fully met.
“In utter disregard and unappreciation for the effort and sacrifices by the plaintiff (Dr. Israel C. Obaisogu), defendants (Derrick Barshall and Barshall University) conspired, planned and executed a program with malice to castigate, defame, disgrace and embarrass him,” an excerpt of the Action of Damages for Wrong reads.
Dr. Obaisogu further alleged in the lawsuit that he was arrested and detained at the Paynesville Magisterial Court on a criminal charge of Misapplication of Entrusted Property.
He added that he was invited to go the Paynesville Magisterial Court under the pretext of a conference, but upon arrival at the court for the purported conference, he was arrested, detained and placed on prisoner’s bench and made a subject of public disgrace.
“Plaintiff was subsequently committed to the Monrovia Central Prison and placed among common criminals in a public transport vehicle to be taken to jail. After almost six weeks of investigation, the police concluded that they found no evidence sufficient to prove the allegations, hence, they issued clearance in favor of the plaintiff on December 24, 2018,” the suit noted.
It continues that the conduct of the defendants has cost the plaintiff embarrassment, loss of business, set back and frustration for which the action of damages was filed against the defendants.
“Wherefore, plaintiff prays for a judgment defendant in the amount of ten thousand United States Dollars (USD$10,000) as special damages, at least one million United States Dollars (USD$1,000,000.00) as general damages, two hundred and fifty thousand United States Dollars (250,000) as punitive damages, and grant unto plaintiff such other relief,” the document adds.
There are reports that Dr. Obaisogu resigned as president of Barshell University after which he was served a letter of dismissal.
He was allegedly accused of mismanaging the university’s funds received to purchase school items, and also giving his personal bank account to students for a personal transaction, among other things.