-Some suspended, one dismissed
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has taken decisive action against its members following a high-profile incident involving the theft of US$12,000 from two businessmen. Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Sam Gballah and Patrolman Augustine Ben, both of the Criminal Intelligence Division, have been suspended, while Patrolman Sansee C. Massaquoi has been dismissed from his duties. The allegations against them stem from an incident involving the illegal detention and robbery of Vianian businessmen Nguyah Dean and Levan Tu.
Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman addressed the media on October 15, 2024, to outline the situation and the steps taken by the LNP in response. According to Coleman, the officers involved caused significant embarrassment to the national government and the people of Liberia by unlawfully arresting the businessmen without any justifiable cause. The incident took place on October 12, 2024, at a local Hotel, where the officers made an illegal entry and subsequently detained Dean and Tu. The victims were taken to the LNP headquarters, where they were subjected to having mugshots taken without any formal charges being laid against them.
“This action does not represent the direction of the LNP,” stated IG Coleman, emphasizing that the misconduct of these officers stands in stark contrast to the values and standards of the National Police. He assured the public of a thorough investigation to uncover the full details of the incident, expressing his disappointment over the matter.
“I’m not proud standing here to discuss this. However, we assure the public that there will be a detailed investigation, and we will get to the root of the matter,” Coleman stated.
Coleman also reiterated the mission of the Liberia National Police, which consists of over five thousand officers committed to upholding the law and serving the public with integrity. He made it clear that any officer found engaging in criminal activities would face stringent disciplinary actions and be subject to court proceedings if found guilty.
“The Liberia National Police is a service for good with over five thousand officers sworn to execute the role and responsibilities as per the act that established the LNP. Any action found on the outside of it that borders on criminality will never be covered in any form and [will not be] accepted,” Coleman emphasized.
The Inspector General concluded with a stern warning, emphasizing that the LNP values quality over quantity among its ranks. Any deviation from the established mandate and ethical standards of the police force will be met with full accountability and due process.
The public’s response to this incident is being closely monitored, as this case has the potential to impact public trust in the LNP. The actions taken by the LNP leadership demonstrate a commitment to transparency and justice, hoping to reassure the citizens of Liberia that the police force remains a reliable and ethical institution. The investigation’s findings will be eagerly awaited, as they will play a crucial role in determining the future conduct and reputation of the Liberia National Police.
In the days following the announcement, various stakeholders have weighed in on the situation. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and community leaders have all expressed their concerns and expectations for a fair and transparent investigation. Many have called for reforms within the LNP to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The Liberia Civil Society Forum (LCSF) issued a statement urging the LNP to implement more stringent oversight mechanisms and ensure that officers receive continuous training on ethical conduct and human rights. “This incident highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within the LNP. We must ensure that our police force operates with the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” the statement read.
Human rights advocate Sarah Johnson spoke to local media, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding public trust. “The people of Liberia need to see that justice is served and that those who abuse their power will be held accountable. This is crucial for maintaining public confidence in our law enforcement agencies,” Johnson said.
Community leaders in Thinkers-Village have also voiced their concerns. They have called for a community meeting with LNP officials to discuss the incident and measures to prevent future occurrences. “We want to work with the police to ensure that our community is safe and that incidents like this do not happen again. It’s important for us to have a dialogue and find solutions together,” said community leader James Kollie.
As the investigation progresses, the LNP has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments. The police force is also reviewing its internal policies and procedures to identify areas for improvement. This includes enhancing the training programs for officers, particularly in areas related to ethical conduct, human rights, and community policing.
Moreover, the LNP is considering the establishment of an independent oversight body to monitor police conduct and handle complaints from the public. This body would provide an additional layer of accountability and ensure that any misconduct is promptly addressed.
In the meantime, ACP Sam Gballah, Patrolman Augustine Ben, and Patrolman Sansee C. Massaquoi remain under suspension and dismissal, respectively, pending the outcome of the investigation. Their actions have not only brought shame to the Liberia National Police (LNP) but also prompted a broader conversation about the need for comprehensive reforms within the police force. The incident has underscored the importance of a transparent and accountable law enforcement system, essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring justice for all citizens.
The investigation into the actions of ACP Sam Gballah, Patrolman Augustine Ben, and Patrolman Sansee C. Massaquoi is being conducted by a special task force within the LNP, which includes members from the Internal Affairs Division and external legal experts to ensure impartiality. This task force is mandated to thoroughly examine the events leading up to the illegal arrest and robbery, including reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and scrutinizing the officers’ records to determine if there were any previous instances of misconduct.
Inspector General Coleman has been vocal about the LNP’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and misconduct. In his address, he detailed the steps being taken to reinforce this policy, including the introduction of new accountability measures. These measures include the deployment of body cameras for officers on duty, the establishment of a whistleblower protection program to encourage the reporting of unethical behavior, and regular audits of police activities.
“We are committed to transforming the LNP into a model of integrity and professionalism. The actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of the entire force. We are taking concrete steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that our officers uphold the highest standards of conduct,” Coleman emphasized.
The incident has sparked a nationwide debate about the role of the police and the need for community engagement in ensuring public safety. Talk shows, opinion pieces in newspapers, and social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions on how to reform the police force and enhance its relationship with the communities it serves.
The LNP has responded to these calls by announcing plans to implement community policing initiatives. These initiatives will involve officers working closely with community leaders and residents to address local safety concerns, promote crime prevention, and build stronger, trust-based relationships.
In the coming weeks, the LNP will also launch a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about their rights when interacting with law enforcement. This campaign aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves from potential abuses of power and to foster a culture of accountability within the police force.
As the investigation into the actions of Gballah, Ben, and Massaquoi continues, the LNP remains under intense scrutiny. The outcome of this investigation will be a pivotal moment for the police force, setting a precedent for how future cases of misconduct are handled and shaping the future of law enforcement in Liberia.
The Liberia National Police’s handling of this incident, coupled with the proposed reforms and community engagement efforts, will be crucial in rebuilding public trust and demonstrating a commitment to justice and integrity. The path forward involves not only addressing the immediate wrongdoing but also implementing long-term changes that ensure the LNP lives up to its mandate as a service for good, dedicated to protecting and serving the people of Liberia with honor and respect.
