MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has dismissed one officer and suspended two others following an investigation by its Professional Standards Division into allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and neglect of duty. The action was prompted by an encounter on January 17, 2025, between Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman and members of the LNP highway patrol team in Bong County. During the encounter, officers were found harassing drivers and taking bribes.
According to an official press release from the LNP issued on Friday, January 24, 2025, the investigation uncovered misconduct by several officers, leading to immediate disciplinary actions. Sergeant Musa V. Sheriff, identified as the team leader, has been dismissed from the force. Sgt. Sheriff, who held ID #2248, was found guilty of corruption, neglect of duty, and misconduct as outlined in the Administrative Instructions on discipline and professional standards.
In addition to Sgt. Sheriff’s dismissal, Patrolman Julius Reeves, a PSU officer with ID #1733, has been suspended for four months without pay. He was implicated in unethical behavior, including neglect of duty and misconduct. Patrolman Erasmus K. Jallah, the team’s driver with ID #6613, has also been suspended for three months without pay for his role in the unethical actions.
The LNP has instructed the dismissed and suspended officers to turn over all Government of Liberia property in their possession, including uniforms, shoes, belts, and badges, to the Human Resources Division of the police force.
In a further statement, the LNP revealed that L$36,000, which was confiscated from the officers during the investigation, has been deposited into government coffers at the Central Bank of Liberia. The deposit document was attached to the LNP release as evidence.
The LNP emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability within its ranks. “The LNP is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability within its ranks,” the release concluded.
