By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Ministry of Justice has strongly refuted allegations implicating the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP) in a bribery scandal linked to a high-profile, ongoing transnational narcotics investigation.
In an official statement released on Saturday, July 25, 2026, justice officials clarified the public record, confirming that while an act of corruption did take place within the ranks, the police chief had absolutely no involvement or prior knowledge of the illicit transaction.
The controversy arose following public speculation that a substantial sum of money had been offered to top security officials to secure the unlawful release of individuals currently held in police custody related to the drug trafficking probe.
In response to the rumors, the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force immediately launched an internal inquiry. The investigation successfully established that an individual did deliver money to a member of the Liberia National Police. However, the probe revealed that the officer acted entirely on his own.
“The investigation further established that the officer received and retained the money without reporting it to his superiors or to any member of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force,” the Ministry of Justice stated.
Crucially, the Ministry emphasized that investigators found no evidence whatsoever indicating that the Inspector General of Police received, authorized, directed, or possessed any prior knowledge of the money. Consequently, the Ministry declared the allegations against the Inspector General to be “false and without factual basis.”
Reaffirming the government’s strict policy of zero tolerance for corruption and professional misconduct, the Ministry announced immediate punitive actions against the implicated officer.
The individual has been stripped of his assignment on the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force and officially relieved of his duties. The Ministry confirmed that he has now been placed under disciplinary review and faces criminal proceedings under Liberian law.
Despite the distraction of the bribery allegations, the government has given assurances that the integrity of the wider transnational narcotics investigation remains intact. Officials reiterated that the multi-agency task force will continue its work independently, professionally, and “without fear or favor.”
“No individual, regardless of position, influence, nationality, or affiliation, will be shielded from accountability where credible evidence establishes criminal responsibility,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Justice concluded by praising the members of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force for their continued integrity and unwavering commitment to the rule of law under intense scrutiny.
Members of the public are being urged to exercise restraint, refrain from spreading unverified information, and allow the judicial process to run its course based strictly on facts, evidence, and due process.
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