H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., of Liberia has received a Special Investigative Report concerning the security breach at the United Methodist University (UMU) Commencement Convocation. The incident raised questions about the reliability of state security, particularly involving the Executive Protection Service (EPS).
The report was delivered by a Special Investigative Team (SIT) that conducted an in-depth investigation into the matter. This team included representatives from the Liberian National Police (LNP), the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the EPS.
According to findings by the SIT, Sam D. Kanwea, Jr., who breached presidential security and physically touched President Boakai, did not intend any harm. However, charges are recommended against him for violating sections 14.22 (Offensive Touching) and 14.23 (Reckless Endangerment of another Person) under Liberian Penal Law.
The report criticized EPS agents for failing to prevent such a breach, noting this as a violation of their Duty Manual and Standard Operating Procedure. It also suggested administrative actions against those assigned during the incident and emphasized ongoing training to enhance operational readiness.
EPS Director Mr. Sam Gaye accepted full responsibility for the breach and committed to implementing measures to prevent future incidents while adopting recommendations from the report.
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the report's findings and recommendations aimed at preventing similar events in future occurrences. He promised to review its contents thoroughly.
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