Monrovia – Former Information Minister Eugene Lenn Nagbe, widely recognized for his outspoken views, is facing a $2 million defamation lawsuit filed by Sam Gaye, head of the Executive Protection Service (EPS).The lawsuit, submitted to the Civil Law Court at the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Monrovia, stems from Nagbe’s comments during a March 31st appearance on OK FM 99.5. During the interview, Nagbe discussed allegations circulating on social media that Gaye had a photo in his bedroom depicting a gun pointed at ex-President George Weah.
Gaye claims the statement has severely damaged his reputation and has taken legal action in response.However, Nagbe is standing his ground. On April 21, he told FrontPageAfrica that the lawsuit is baseless.“I was served with a writ of summons by the Civil Law Court,” Nagbe confirmed. “This lawsuit is without merit and lacks substance.”He also revealed he’s being represented by the International Law Group, led by Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, and vowed to vigorously fight the case in court.“
I believe in the judicial process and am confident that this attempt to bully me will fail,” he stated, adding that he would refrain from further public comments on the matter without legal advice.Nagbe’s supporters argue that the legal action threatens freedom of speech and sets a troubling precedent in a democracy, where public figures should be open to scrutiny.“
Eugene spoke out as a citizen and former official concerned about national issues,” said one political commentator. “This should have led to dialogue, not a lawsuit.”
The legal community remains divided, with some emphasizing the need to consider Gaye’s alleged reputational damage, while others view the suit as an attempt to suppress a prominent voice in Liberian politics.The case is set for hearing during the court’s June session and is already being seen as a significant test of the balance between defamation claims and freedom of expression in Liberia.
