A growing legal and political dispute has erupted between Sam Gaye, Director of Liberia’s Executive Protection Service (EPS), and Eugene Lenn Nagbe, former Information Minister and Chief of Office Staff to ex-President George Weah. The conflict stems from remarks made by Nagbe in a recent radio interview, which Gaye claims were defamatory, an allegation Nagbe’s legal team strongly denies.
The controversy began on March 31, 2025, when Nagbe appeared on OK FM and allegedly accused Gaye of targeting former President Weah. While Nagbe insists his comments were taken out of context, Gaye, through his lawyer, former Supreme Court Justice Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, demanded a public retraction within 48 hours, threatening legal action if Nagbe failed to comply.
However, Nagbe’s legal representatives at the International Law Group have firmly rejected the defamation claims, asserting that their client’s statements were neither false nor malicious.
The situation took a more serious turn when Nagbe’s legal team revealed that Gaye allegedly sent him a threatening WhatsApp message stating, “You will hear from me.” Given Gaye’s position as EPS Director, a role that grants him access to state security resources, Nagbe interpreted the message as a direct threat to his safety.
In response, Nagbe’s lawyers filed a formal complaint with Liberia’s Ministry of Justice, urging an investigation into Gaye’s conduct. They argue that such behavior from a high-ranking security official raises concerns about abuse of power and intimidation.
Despite pressure from Gaye’s legal team, Nagbe has refused to issue a retraction, maintaining that his statements were factual and within the bounds of free speech. His lawyers have accused Gaye of attempting to silence criticism through legal intimidation.
Legal analysts suggest that if the case proceeds to court, it could set a significant precedent regarding defamation laws and freedom of expression in Liberia. Meanwhile, political observers note that the dispute reflects lingering tensions between figures associated with the previous administration and current government officials.
The unfolding drama has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters of Nagbe argue that he has the right to speak on political matters without fear of retribution, while Gaye’s backers insist that public officials should not be subjected to unfounded accusations.
As the Ministry of Justice reviews Nagbe’s complaint, all eyes remain on whether this legal clash will escalate further or if behind-the-scenes negotiations will lead to a resolution. For now, both sides appear entrenched, signaling a protracted battle ahead.
