The Liberia National Police (LNP) has with immediate effect dismissed two of its officers, ACP. Sam S.D. Gballah and Patrolman Augustine G. Ben, from the services of the LNP for gross misconducts.
The dismissal followed recommendation from the special investigation team of the Professional Standard Division on allegation of impropriety of the officers.
On October 12, 2024 at about 6:00 p.m., Patrolman Augustine G. Ben and then suspended Officer Sansee C. Massaquoi unlawfully entered the premises of Luxury Hotel, located in the Thinkers Village Community, Paynesville, intimidated and arrested victims Dean Nguyen and Levan Tu under the instruction of ACP. Sam S. D. Gballah.
The officers invaded the privacy of the victims without any legal instrument resulting to the arrest, seizure of their properties and some assorted documents and cash in the amount of US$24,000, of which US$12,000 was unaccounted for.
According to the LNP, their action violates Category 1 and 2 offenses, which are tantamount to abuse of authority, harassment of civilians and intimidation, and violates sections 6.1.3, 6.1.19 and 6.4 (k) of the LNP Administrative Instructions on Discipline and Professional Standards as enshrined in the LNP Disciplinary Regulation of 2016 Chapter 8.1, counts C & S, and 8.4 count (k); That Abuse of Authority and Harassment of civilians are ‘Category 1’ offenses (major offenses) of the AI on Discipline and Professional Standards and the Disciplinary Regulation while Intimidation is a ‘Category 2’ offense.
Dismissed officers Gballah and Ben have been turned over to the Crime Services Department (CSD) for criminal investigation to be forwarded to court based on further recommendation from the Professional Standards Division (PSD).
The dismissal brings to three the number of LNP officers dismissed in connection with this case.