By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has suspended Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sam Gballah and Patrolman Augustine Ben, from the Criminal Intelligence Division, while also dismissing Patrolman Sansee C. Massaquoi.
This disciplinary action follows allegations that the officers robbed Vietnamn businessmen Nguyah Dean and Levan Tu of US$12,000.
At a press conference on October 15, 2024, held at LNP headquarters, Inspector General Gregory Coleman detailed the troubling incident, which occurred on October 12.
Coleman stated that the officers’ actions not only violated the law but also brought national embarrassment to both the government and the people of Liberia.
“The police officers illegally arrested the businessmen without cause, conducted an unauthorized entry into the Luxury Hotel in Thinkers-Village, and brought them to the LNP headquarters without any formal charges,” IG Coleman explained.
He emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable and does not reflect the values or direction of the LNP.
During the press briefing, Coleman expressed his disappointment, stating, “I’m not proud standing here to discuss this. However, we assure the public that a detailed investigation will follow to uncover the truth behind these actions.”
He reiterated the LNP’s commitment to integrity and accountability, asserting that any officer found guilty of misconduct will face serious consequences.
“The Liberia National Police is a service dedicated to the public good, comprising over five thousand officers who are sworn to uphold the law. Any behavior that contradicts our mandate will not be tolerated,” Coleman declared.
The Inspector General also noted that the police force prioritizes quality over quantity, indicating that the integrity of the police is paramount. “Officers who engage in criminal activities will be investigated and, if found guilty, will face prosecution in court,” he added.
The alleged robbery incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability in Liberia.
Public trust in law enforcement is crucial for maintaining order and safety, and an incident like this undermines that trust.
As the investigation proceeds, the LNP is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any misconduct by police officers.
Coleman assured citizens that the LNP is committed to ensuring that all officers adhere to their responsibilities and serve the community with respect and integrity.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges within the police force and the need for continuous reform to build a more trustworthy and effective law enforcement agency in Liberia.
As the story unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the LNP addresses this troubling breach of conduct and what steps are taken to restore public confidence.
