MONROVIA – A disturbing case of alleged land encroachment, physical assault, and emotional trauma has made its way to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court in Monrovia, as a local businessman, Aaron T. Gayflor, has filed a lawsuit against his neighbor, K. Massanyan Sorsor, demanding damages totaling more than US$1.7 million.
Filed during the court’s June Term of 2025, the case pits two residents of Paynesville’s Whein Town Community against each other in what appears to be the climax of a long-standing and bitter land dispute. Gayflor, represented by the International Law Group, LLC, is seeking redress for what he describes as deliberate encroachment on his property, physical assault resulting in injury, emotional distress, and loss of personal funds meant for a family-run rice business.
According to court documents, Gayflor claims to be the rightful owner of one full lot of land in Whein Town, acquired through legal purchase. His complaint details that in 2024, tensions flared when Sorsor, who reportedly owns a half-lot adjacent to Gayflor’s land, began asserting ownership over a portion of Gayflor’s property.
The tension boiled over on October 5, 2024, when the dispute escalated into a violent encounter. Gayflor alleges that Sorsor, during a heated argument, physically assaulted him by delivering a forceful slap to his face, causing him to collapse and sustain injuries. Photographs attached to the lawsuit reportedly show injuries sustained during the incident.
In the fall, Gayflor claims he lost US$1,695.00, cash entrusted to him by his daughter for use in their rice-selling enterprise. He also states he incurred an additional US$295.25 for medical treatment, particularly for eye damage that has since impaired his vision.
The plaintiff described the alleged slap not just as a sudden act of violence, but as a betrayal of a previously cordial relationship. Gayflor recalled how, years earlier, he had cooperated with Sorsor by storing construction materials and offering guidance on building plans. This collaboration, according to him, deteriorated when Sorsor began to encroach upon his property.
The complaint also highlights how the defendant allegedly bypassed community and legal zoning procedures to construct a fence that partially covered the disputed land. Gayflor said he warned Sorsor that the government might demolish the structure, only to be met with physical violence shortly after.
Following the altercation, the defendant reportedly filed a complaint against Gayflor at the Paynesville Magisterial Court, a move Gayflor claims was made in bad faith. He accused Sorsor of weaponizing the justice system to shift attention away from his own alleged wrongdoing.
Gayflor’s legal team further argues that justice has been delayed in the Magisterial Court due to multiple postponements, including those related to the passing of Sorsor’s wife. As of April 30, 2025, the criminal matter remains unresolved, compounding Gayflor’s frustration and emotional distress.
In his plea to the Civil Law Court, Gayflor emphasized his standing as a law-abiding Liberian citizen and dedicated businessman. He implored the court to intervene and bring closure to what he described as a protracted, painful ordeal.
The lawsuit not only seeks reimbursement for the immediate financial losses and medical bills but also demands general and punitive damages. Gayflor is requesting up to US$1 million for mental anguish, emotional distress, pain, and injuries, and an additional US$500,000 in punitive damages aimed at deterring future acts of violence.
“This type of lawless conduct must not be allowed to fester in our communities,” the complaint states. “The defendant must be held accountable for taking the law into his own hands.”
The suit also calls on the defendant to bear all legal costs and any additional relief deemed just by the court.
