By Stephen G. Fellajuah
An investigation conducted by The New Dawn has shockingly uncovered that George Wleh, a police officer previously dismissed from the Liberia National Police (LNP) for assaulting a civilian, has resurfaced in active service, this time allegedly playing a central role in an illegal land sale scheme in Johnsonville, Montserrado County.
Mr. Wleh, a former Sergeant, was officially disrobed and dismissed in March 2022 following a brutal attack on a civilian, Esther Younger, during an incident in February of that year. His return to the force, especially in the very community where the original abuse took place, has ignited fear and outrage among residents.
“This man was dismissed for violently beating people. Now he’s back, this time, not with fists, but helping criminals steal land,” a concerned Johnsonville resident told The New Dawn.
Community members claim that Wleh is now using his uniform and authority to aid and abet illegal land dealers, providing them with security and cover to take over privately owned land forcibly. Over thirteen properties are reportedly under threat.
“Two of our elders had their lands taken under his protection. He stood by while illegal cornerstones were planted,” a senior resident lamented on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Wleh is also accused of leading violent thugs from nearby ghettos to intimidate rightful landowners and scare families off their property, all while disputes over the lands are still before the court.
The Johnsonville Police Station commander confirmed Wleh’s prior dismissal but could not explain how he had been reinstated. When pressed, the officer stated simply, “The authority can answer that.”
Wleh was among four officers dismissed in 2022 after an internal LNP investigation and Justice Ministry review found them responsible for excessive force against civilians. Others involved included ERU Commander Amos Williams, Inspector Otis Wallace, and Officer Humphrey Kyne.
The U.S. State Department later cited the incident in its Human Rights Report as a notable example of police abuse and praised the Ministry of Justice’s dismissal and referral of the case for prosecution.
Yet, despite his documented history and public dismissal, Wleh has returned, and the circumstances of his reinstatement remain a mystery.
For many Johnsonville residents, Wleh’s presence in uniform is a bitter reminder of a system that often fails to hold wrongdoers accountable, particularly those with power.
“It tells us justice is not for the ordinary people,” one resident said. “This should not be happening in a country that claims to follow law and order.”
