In a drastic move, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has dismissed two officers, Assistant Commissioner Sam S. D. Gballah and Patrolman Augustine G. Ben, for gross misconduct.
This action comes in response to a report from the Special Investigation Team of the Professional Standard Division, which investigated allegations of impropriety against the officers.
The incident that prompted the dismissal occurred on October 12, 2024, when Patrolman Ben, along with then-suspended Officer Sansee C. Massaquoi, unlawfully entered the premises of the Luxury Hotel in the Thinkers Village Community, Paynesville.
According to the LNP Professional Standard Division, the officers acting under the directive of ACP Gballah, the officers intimidated and arrested two victims, Dean Nguyen and Levan Tu, without any legal authority.
The investigative findings revealed that during the raid, the officers not only violated the victims’ privacy but also allegedly seized property, documents, and cash totaling $24,000.
The findings disclosed that $12,000 of this amount remains unaccounted for.
Their actions have been classified as severe violations of the LNP’s Administrative Instructions on Discipline and Professional Standards, explicitly relating to abuse of authority, harassment, and intimidation.
The dismissal of Gballah and Ben marks the third action the LNP took in connection with this case.
The officers have been referred to the Crime Services Department for further investigation, which may lead to criminal charges.
This case underscores the LNP’s commitment to upholding standards of conduct within its ranks and holding officers accountable for their actions.
