Sanniquellie City, Nimba County- Police in Sanniquellie City, Nimba County have arrested and jailed Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh, a former senatorial candidate in the 2022–2023 Nimba County Elections after a creditor accused him of failing to repay a loan of nearly US$14,000.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
Selekpoh, who is also the Executive Director of the Armstrong Gobac Selekpoh Foundation, was taken into custody and is being held at the Sanniquellie Central Prison pending court proceedings.
The complaint was filed by Pharaze Dekpah, Chief Executive Officer of DETA-Loan Incorporated, who told the police that he provided the funds to Selekpoh during the 2022–2023 Campaign Period and that the money was used for campaign activities.
Dekpah said repeated attempts to recover the debt were unsuccessful, prompting the formal complaint.
Police officials confirmed the arrest but said the case is now before the court and that investigators will present evidence during prosecution.
Selekpoh has not issued any public statement in response to the allegations.
Tension in Ganta Over LDEA Search, Alleged Seizure of Cash
In a separate but related public order concern in Nimba County, a Ganta businessman, identified as Oil Seller Alfred Suah, has threatened legal action against officers of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), including County Commander Bill Cooper.
Suah alleged that LDEA officers entered his home while he and his wife were away, seized more than 80,000 Liberian Dollars and took clothing and other personal items.
Suah said the money represents business proceeds including daily susu savings and insisted to reporters that he sells palm oil, not drugs.
“I don’t sell drugs. I go to the bush to buy oil and sell it,” Suah told reporters at his home in Ganta.
He said about 40,000 LD came from his business sales and an additional sum from his wife’s daily savings was also taken.
Suah announced plans to sue the LDEA and its Nimba County leadership over the alleged raid and seizure.
Community Frustration as Drug Use and Violence Rise
Multiple Ganta residents and local business owners expressed outrage and frustration with the LDEA’s leadership, accusing the agency of failing to control a worsening drugs problem in the city.
Several residents told Front Page Africa(FPA) that Ganta has become a center for drug consumption among youth and that drug-related violence including attacks with cutlasses and other weapons after dark — has surged in recent months.
Local health facilities reported treating more than ten people for stab wounds and other injuries sustained during violent incidents linked to drug use.
Business owners said the violence has damaged commerce and terrified both traders and customers, particularly after 6 p.m. along the Ganta–Guinea Border Road, a once-busy corridor now frequently avoided by residents after dusk.
“The city feels unsafe,” one shop owner said. “People are afraid to stay open late. Young men under the influence roam the streets and sometimes attack others for no reason.”
Residents described seeing younger people openly selling and using drugs across neighbourhoods.
Several families reported that their children have been approached by dealers while walking to school or to market and some youths have been hospitalized for overdose-like symptoms.
Community leaders said the apparent normalization of drug activity is straining social services and local law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the LDEA Nimba County Commander Bill Cooper declined to comment when quizzed by the FPA about the alleged raid on Suah’s house.
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