The Liberia National Police (LNP) has suspended four officers without pay over various alleged disciplinary violations. The officers, including Patrolmen Thomas W. Woart, Roderick Samukai, John V. Roques, and Melvin K. Jappah, were accused of assault, excessive use of force, negligence of duty, corruption, and gross insubordination. The disciplinary actions were communicated through letters issued by the Police Human Resource Management Division between October 28 and 29.
Among the four officers, Woart faces the most serious administrative action, with an indefinite suspension without salary and referral for criminal investigation. The police announcement did not disclose the specific allegations against him or identify the authority responsible for conducting the investigation. In contrast, Samukai was suspended for two months without pay for negligence of duty, while Roques and Jappah received six-month suspensions without salary over alleged corruption and other disciplinary violations.
The LNP administration emphasized that the disciplinary actions aim to enforce professional standards and accountability within its ranks. The institution reaffirmed its position that indiscipline and misconduct will not be tolerated, and professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect for lawful authority remain fundamental standards for officers. The police also reiterated their commitment to enforcing disciplinary regulations, protecting public confidence, and strengthening professionalism within the police service.
As part of the disciplinary measures, all four officers have been instructed to surrender government-issued properties during their respective suspension periods. The directive ensures that officers relieved of active police duties do not retain official government assets while serving their suspensions. The affected officers, however, retain the right to appeal the decisions in accordance with the LNP Administrative Instructions on Discipline and Professional Standards.
The suspensions come amid continuing public expectations for police officers to exercise their authority responsibly and remain accountable for their conduct. Allegations of assault, excessive force, and corruption carry particular weight, as they concern the exercise of state authority over citizens. The LNP has yet to disclose further details of the individual cases, but the disciplinary measures reinforce the institution's position that officers are subject to internal accountability mechanisms.
The Liberia National Police Press and Public Affairs Division issued the statement announcing the disciplinary actions. The institution also reiterated its commitment to respecting established procedures and the rights of affected officers. A referral for criminal investigation does not constitute a finding of guilt, and any criminal liability must be established through the appropriate legal process.
The latest suspensions demonstrate the LNP's efforts to address alleged misconduct within the force, particularly violations involving the abuse of police authority, dereliction of duty, and conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of law enforcement officers. The institution's actions aim to maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of the police service.
Key points
- The Liberia National Police suspended four officers over alleged assault, corruption, and misconduct.
- One officer, Thomas W. Woart, was referred for criminal investigation.
- The suspensions aim to enforce professional standards and accountability within the police force.
