GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – A major internal shake-up has struck the Liberia National Police (LNP) in Bong County, following the controversial and unauthorized release of a suspect connected to a high-profile burglary case.
Chief Inspector Patrick Sendolo, who served as the Deputy Commander of the Crime Services Division (CSD), has been suspended and disrobed, while six junior officers now find themselves under investigation. The unfolding scandal has sparked public outrage, intensified scrutiny, and raised troubling questions about accountability within the police force.
Commander James Karto of the CSD, visibly disturbed by the incident, confirmed that Sendolo was relieved of his duties and placed under strict administrative suspension. “His office is now sealed, and his operational authority completely stripped,” Karto told journalists. “While he hasn’t been arrested, he is being closely monitored.”
Karto emphasized that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness. The Police Professional Standards Division (PSD) is leading the investigation and will decide whether to escalate the case to a full criminal probe. “This is more than a simple disciplinary case,” he said. “It touches the core of our credibility as a law enforcement institution.”
Legal observers point out that Sendolo’s alleged conduct could potentially breach several provisions in both the Liberia National Police Duty Manual and the country’s Penal Code. Among them is Article 22.76 of the Penal Law, which addresses “official misconduct,” including unauthorized prisoner release and abuse of office. Likewise, Section 2.3 of the LNP Duty Manual mandates all officers to act lawfully, impartially, and with integrity at all times.
When reached for comment, Sendolo declined to speak on the matter, citing the need for authorization from his superiors given the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, PSD officers in Gbarnga confirmed that both he and other officers implicated in the case have already submitted formal statements. The case file is expected to be forwarded to LNP Headquarters in Monrovia for further review and possible questioning.
But as the official investigation unfolds, another voice has entered the fray—an anonymous intelligence source who claims to have played a crucial role in tracking down one of the suspects in the burglary.
Speaking under condition of anonymity, the source told our team that he was informally assisting the CSD when he identified a man believed to be part of the group behind the heist. The alleged mastermind, known only as “John Lion”, remains at large.
“I received a photo from the CSD and began asking around in Monrovia,” the informant revealed. “Eventually, I located the man and, despite being offered a $500 USD bribe, I turned him over to a CSD officer.”
According to the source, the suspect was handcuffed and detained—only to later discover that he had inexplicably been released. “It was devastating,” he said. “I risked my own safety for the sake of justice. To see that effort thrown away like that… I felt betrayed and exposed.”
Having worked with the police on previous cases, the informant expressed deep frustration over what he calls a failure to protect and acknowledge credible intelligence. “I acted out of patriotism,” he lamented. “But now, I feel discarded.”
Though police officials have yet to respond directly to the informant’s claims, his testimony has added a fresh layer of controversy and further eroded public confidence in the LNP’s handling of the case.
Adding to the complications, a local investigative journalist in Bong County has reported that “John Lion,” believed to be a key figure in the burglary, is on the run. Evidence suggests he recently purchased a vehicle using some of the stolen money—funds taken during a break-in at the shop of local businessman Mr. Joma Agba.
Commander Kartoe acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but called on the public not to lose faith in the entire police force. “Every institution has a few bad apples,” he stated. “But we remain committed to justice and public service.”
The incident that sparked the current storm took place just last week at Agba’s shop, located near the Phebe Parking junction in Gbarnga. Described as a well-organized theft, the burglary resulted in the loss of cash and valuable items. Kartoe stressed that these were not “petty thieves” but part of a larger, more sophisticated criminal network targeting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
The suspect, Kartoe said, was initially handed over to police by alert community members. But his unexplained release has now derailed parts of the investigation and delayed justice.
Despite the setback, Karto assured that police are redoubling their efforts to apprehend the fugitive and others linked to the crime. “Our intelligence officers are actively pursuing leads, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the suspects are brought to justice,” he said.
For Mr. Agba, the burglary and subsequent controversy have been deeply frustrating. Kartoe urged the businessman and the public to remain patient, assuring them that the police will not rest until the case is resolved.
“This situation is painful,” Kartoe admitted, “but we are determined to correct it. Justice will be served.”
