NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has cleared Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O.W. Coleman of allegations linking him to an alleged bribery scheme connected to the ongoing US$317.68 million transnational drug investigation, while ordering the prosecution of a police officer found to have improperly received money.
By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry said it launched an internal investigation after allegations emerged that money had been offered in an attempt to secure the release of individuals in police custody.
The investigation found that Officer Johnny Dean received and retained money delivered to him but failed to report the incident to his superiors or members of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, the Ministry said.
However, investigators found no evidence that Inspector General Coleman received the money, authorized its acceptance, directed anyone to receive it, or had prior knowledge of the transaction.
“The investigation found no evidence that the Inspector General of Police received, authorized, directed, or had prior knowledge of the money. Accordingly, allegations implicating the Inspector General are false and without factual basis,” the Ministry stated.
Based on the findings, Officer Dean has been removed from the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force, relieved of his duties, and will face both disciplinary measures and criminal prosecution in accordance with Liberian law.
The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and official misconduct, emphasizing that the ongoing narcotics investigation will continue independently and professionally.
It stressed that no individual, regardless of office, influence, nationality, or political affiliation, would be shielded from prosecution where credible evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The Ministry also commended members of the Joint National Security Investigative Task Force for their professionalism and commitment to upholding the rule of law. It urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and allow investigators to complete their work without interference.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that public confidence in the justice system must be grounded in facts, credible evidence, and due process rather than speculation or misinformation.
