With immediate effect, the Liberia National Police has dismissed two of its officers for gross misconduct and immodesty following investigation by the Professional Standard Division (PSD) of the LNP.
Speaking Monday, October 28, 2024, during a press conference held at the LNP’s headquarters, Police Inspector General, Gregory Coleman, disclosed that the dismissal of the officers was based on a recommendation from the special investigative team of the PSD of the LNP.
IG Coleman pointed out that the dismissed officers, ACP. Sam S. D. Gballah and Patrolman Augustine G. Ben have been turned over to the Crime Services Department (CSD) for criminal investigation.
The dismissal of the two officers brings to three the number of police officers who have been dismissed in connection to the same case. Earlier, the LNP dismissed officer Sansee C. Massaquoi.
IG Coleman said their actions violate category 1 and 2 offenses which are tantamount to abuse of authority, harassment of civilians and intimidation, and violate 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 offences (major offences) of the AI on discipline, professional standards and the disciplinary regulation while intimidation is a category 2 offence.
He further assured the public of the LNP transparency in any form of criminality by any Police officer under his watch.
A statement from the Press and Public Affairs department of the LNP said that, on October 12, 2024, 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 LNP statement added that the officers invaded the privacy of the victims without any legal instruction which resulted in their arrest, seizure of their properties, some assorted documents and cash.
“The amount in question is Twenty-Four Thousand United States Dollars (US$24,000.00) of which Twelve Thousand United States Dollars (US$12,000) was unaccounted for,” the LNP said.
Source: LINA