Gbarnga Businessman Calls for Civil Society Intervention in Burglary Case Amid Distrust in Local Police

Local businessman Josephus Argbah, widely known as “JOMA,” is calling on goodwill individuals, national civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to swiftly intervene in an alleged criminal case involving the burglary of his business center, citing a lack of confidence in the Bong County detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Mr. Argbah, who manages the JOMA Business Center a popular money exchange and foreign transfer bureau in Gbarnga revealed that the break-in resulted in the loss of thousands of United States dollars, over three million Liberian dollars, and several valuable business items. “The way the Bong County Police are handling my case gives me no hope for justice. I need national investigators to step in because I don’t trust the local police anymore,” Mr. Argbah told reporters. According to Argbah, a suspect connected to the burglary was apprehended and turned over to the police by concerned citizens. However, he alleges that shortly after the handover, the suspect was released under questionable circumstances reportedly on the orders of Chief Inspector Patrick Sendolo, the Deputy Commander of the Crime Services Division (CSD) in Bong County. The incident has reportedly led to Chief Inspector Sendolo’s suspension pending an internal investigation, yet Mr. Argbah says that no significant progress has been made in recovering his stolen funds or securing a fair investigation into the matter. “If nothing is done from now to the 20th of this month, I will rally my fellow business owners and we will peacefully line the streets when the President arrives in Bong County. We will chant for justice to draw his attention,” Argbah declared. He also expressed deep concern over the financial consequences of the crime. The businessman revealed that he regularly takes loans from commercial banks to support his business operations and fears the losses from the burglary could push him into default and risk the seizure of his assets. “I work hard every day to serve this community and provide for my family. This isn’t just about my business it’s about trust in the justice system,” he added. Mr. Argbah is urging national authorities, civil society actors, and rights groups to help ensure a thorough, independent investigation is conducted so that justice is served, and confidence in law enforcement can be restored.