Circuit, Civil Law Court Nelson Chineh, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of former Liberia National Police Assistant Commissioner Sam Doe S.D. Gballah, ruling that his dismissal violated due process protections.
In a directive issued on June 15, 2026, the court instructed the Sheriff to proceed to the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police to ensure Gballah’s reinstatement “with immediate effect as though he was never dismissed.”
Judge Chineh also ordered that an official return be filed confirming the manner in which the order was served.
The case stems from Gballah’s dismissal from the Liberia National Police on October 29, 2024, where he served as Assistant Commissioner in the Crime Services Department. He was removed on allegations of “gross misconduct,” including abuse of authority, harassment of civilians, and intimidation.
His dismissal letter cited violations of internal disciplinary rules under the Liberia National Police Administration Instructions and the 2016 Discipline Regulations.
Gballah, through his legal counsel, Atty. Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo I, challenged the decision, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing and that no proper investigation was conducted before his removal.
Counsel further alleged that senior police officers publicly accused his client of wrongdoing before any formal determination of guilt.
Court filings indicate that the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police allegedly made public statements accusing Gballah of harassment and the theft of US$12,000 from Chinese businessmen—claims the petitioner says damaged his reputation and influenced the decision to dismiss him.
In its ruling, the court reaffirmed the constitutional right to due process and the presumption of innocence, stressing that disciplinary action must follow fair and lawful procedures.
“The Petitioner was not accorded due process,” the court held, adding that the dismissal “is unconstitutional and violates the law of the land,” according to Judge Gbeneweleh’s ruling.
The court therefore declared the dismissal null and void and ordered that Gballah be restored to his position “as though he was never dismissed.”
The ruling directs the Ministry of Justice and the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police to comply immediately with the judgment.
