Former Maritime Boss Nagbe Alarms Over Terroristic Threats from EPS Boss Gaye: Terms 48-Hour Retraction Ultimatum as Blackmail

Former Maritime Boss Nagbe and EPS Boss Gaye

Eugene Lenn Nagbe, former Maritime Commissioner and Chief of Staff to ex-President George Weah, has raised serious concerns about alleged terroristic threats from Sam Gaye, the Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS). Nagbe claims that Gaye sent him a threatening WhatsApp message after he criticized Gaye’s leadership during a March 31, 2025, interview on OK FM. In the message, Gaye reportedly warned Nagbe “Trust me, you will be hearing from me soon” [1][6]. Given Gaye’s position as head of the EPS—a role that grants him access to firearms and significant authority—Nagbe interprets this message as a direct threat. This concern is compounded by Gaye’s alleged history of endorsing security brutality on social media platforms like Facebook [1][7].

Under Liberia’s Penal Code, Section 14.24 defines terroristic threats as intentional actions meant to instill fear or terror in another person. If Gaye’s WhatsApp message contained explicit or implied threats that reasonably caused Nagbe to fear for his safety or professional well-being, it could meet the criteria for prosecution under this section [2].

The situation escalated further when Gaye demanded that Nagbe retract specific statements made during his OK FM interview. Nagbe alleged that Gaye kept a photograph in his bedroom depicting a gun aimed at former President George Weah. Through his lawyer, Kabineh M. Ja’neh, Gaye refuted this claim as baseless, insisting on a public retraction within 48 hours 6]. Nagbe perceives this demand for retraction as coercive and potentially qualifying as blackmail.

Section 14.50 addresses extortion or blackmail, which involves using threats to induce someone to give up their rights—in this case, Nagbe’s right to freely express his opinion about Gaye’s conduct [3]. The demand for retraction tied to an implied threat could also fall under this provision. Furthermore, Section 14.25 criminalizes menacing actions intended to instill fear of imminent harm, whether or not the threat is carried out [2]. Gaye’s position of authority adds weight to the perception that he is using his power to suppress dissent and silence criticism.

Official Letter fron Nagbe's Lawyer

Gaye’s alleged actions raise broader concerns about professionalism and accountability. As Director of the EPS—an elite security force tasked with protecting VIPs, including the President—Gaye holds significant authority and influence. Any misuse of this authority undermines public trust and threatens national security [4][5].

The allegations against Sam Gaye could fall under terroristic threats or blackmail under Liberian law. His demand for a retraction appears coercive and indicative of leveraging his authority to suppress dissent through intimidation—a troubling misuse of power by someone charged with ensuring national security[3][6]. Through transparency and reform, Liberia can maintain its security apparatus's integrity while safeguarding fundamental freedoms like freedom of speech and expression[4][10].

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Additional Sources

[1] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-eps-director-gaye-threatens-legal-action-against-eugene-nagbe-over-defamation-claims-gives-48hrs-to-withdraw-statement/

[2] https://counterterrorlaw.info/country/liberia

[3] https://collettreadllp.com/know-your-rights/extortion-and-blackmail-in-criminal-law/

[4] https://analystliberiaonline.com/abuse-of-state-power-by-police-is-recipe-for-chaos-bilitys-rule-of-law-caucus-puts-gol-on-notice/

[5] https://reliefweb.int/report/liberia/police-brutality-rise-liberia-justice-ministry-expresses-concern

[6] https://smartnewsliberia.com/legal-action-threatened-as-eugene-nagbe-faces-defamation-accusation-from-eps-directors-lawyer/

[7] https://smartnewsliberia.com/cdc-cop-calls-for-immediate-removal-of-security-chiefs-over-alleged-abuses/

[8] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-senator-nathaniel-mcgill-condemns-police-brutality-against-lawmakers-vows-to-report-incident-to-plenary/

[9] https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/usdos/2016/en/109810

[10] https://www.hrw.org/report/2013/08/22/no-money-no-justice/police-corruption-and-abuse-liberia

[11] https://thenewdawnliberia.com/nagbe-rejects-eps-boss-defamation-claims/

[12] https://geezliberia.com/2025/03/eps-director-sam-gaye-threatens-legal-action-against-eugene-nagbe-over-explosive-allegations/

[13] https://www.mfwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/State-of-safety-of-journalists-situation-in-Liberia-June-2019.pdf

[14] https://www.sirleaf.emansion.gov.lr/doc/sc.pdf

[15] https://www.law.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Liberia_MOJ_Sexual-Assault-Abuse-Police-Handbook_2009.doc

[16] https://blog.ipleaders.in/all-about-section-384-of-indian-penal-code-1860/

[17] https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/528267_LIBERIA-2023-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf