MONROVIA — Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has ordered the dismissal, suspension and investigation of several government and law-enforcement officials following a review of findings connected to ongoing narcotics-trafficking cases.
The Executive Mansion said the measures are intended to strengthen accountability, uphold the rule of law and ensure that public officials perform their duties with integrity.
Among those dismissed were Mark Egon Kuiah, deputy director for operations at Roberts International Airport; Johnny Bolar Dean, police commissioner for Criminal Investigation, Intelligence and INTERPOL; and Patrick Doe, deputy director for administration at the National Security Agency.
Patrick Komasu, who had been assigned to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, was recalled from that assignment, suspended without pay and placed under investigation.
Officials Removed Following Cocaine Seizures
President Boakai also ordered the dismissal of government employees and law-enforcement officers indicted in connection with two large cocaine cases.
The cases involved the seizure of 198 plates of processed cocaine at Roberts International Airport and the confiscation of 3,971 plates from property associated with two foreign nationals.
Mohammed O. Gbowrah, security director at Roberts International Airport, and Moses Jallah, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s deputy commander at the airport, were among those dismissed.
Two Liberia National Police officers—Anthony T. Blaye and Wadell W. Kwarbo—were also removed. The government alleges that official vehicles were used to help transport a narcotics consignment from Vincent Town along the Bomi Highway to the Thinker Village area of Paynesville.
Four additional officials were dismissed and referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution:
- Jammel V. Jallah, National Security Agency agent
- Christian L. Nyantee, National Security Agency agent
- Caycee Nelson, procurement director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Albenigo Janior, National Security Agency agent
The allegations and indictments must still be addressed through Liberia’s judicial process, where the accused are entitled to due process.
Government Orders Wider Investigation
President Boakai directed Liberia’s security and law-enforcement institutions to intensify their investigations and ensure that all individuals connected to the cases are brought before the courts when supported by evidence.
The Executive Mansion said no official found to have participated in narcotics trafficking or related criminal activity would be protected because of their government position.
The involvement of personnel connected to the airport, police, drug-enforcement and national-security institutions makes the investigation especially significant. Roberts International Airport is one of Liberia’s principal international gateways, and allegations involving officials assigned there could affect confidence in the country’s border-control systems.
The government’s response may also influence Liberia’s cooperation with regional and international partners working to disrupt transnational drug networks.
However, the credibility of the campaign will depend on whether investigations are conducted independently, prosecutions follow established law and disciplinary actions are applied consistently across government institutions.
The Executive Mansion said the administration would continue to take lawful measures to combat narcotics trafficking, dismantle criminal networks, and protect Liberia’s security and international reputation.
Executive Mansion of Liberia: Official announcement