26/05/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
J.J. Roberts United Methodist School Responds to \$300K Lawsuit Over Student Injury
**Monrovia, Liberia – May 23, 2025** — The administration of **J.J. Roberts United Methodist School** acknowledges the recent civil lawsuit filed against the institution and Mr. **Dolo Mulbah**, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, regarding an incident involving student **Richard Gbaï**, a 12th-grade student.
According to the claim filed at the **Civil Law Court in Montserrado County**, the student is seeking **three hundred thousand United States Dollars (US\$300,000) ** in damages for an eye injury reportedly sustained during a student altercation on campus. A writ of summons has been issued to both Mr. Mulbah and the school administration.
**Principal Samuel K. Sagbeh** issued the following statement:
> “The school takes these claims very seriously. We are cooperating fully with the legal process and have launched an internal investigation to ensure all facts surrounding the incident are established. Student safety and well-being remain our top priority.”
The school confirms that the alleged incident occurred on **December 18, 2024**. Upon being informed on **December 19**, Principal Sagneh took immediate steps to support the student and his family, including:
* Personally providing **US\$150** for initial hospital assessment.
* Allocating **US\$1,000** to assist with surgery and medication.
* A further **L\$50,000** contribution made by the **Inspector of Police** to support ongoing treatment.
Medical evaluations conducted at **Cooper Hospital Eye Clinic** confirmed that no permanent damage was sustained to the student’s eyes. A subsequent assessment at **John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK)** later declared him **visually fit** to resume school, after which he was officially readmitted.
Since his return, **Richard Gbaï* has actively participated in school life and is presently sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)** exams. Furthermore, he remains highly engaged in the school’s digital chatroom. In one instance, he sent the following extended message:
Good evening everyone, especially the administration. This is just to appreciate you all for the support and concern you have shown me and my family during this situation. I am doing much better and I hope to complete my exams successfully. God bless.”*
This level of communication and his ongoing academic engagement indicate **no observable visual impairment
The school also wishes to note that, even prior to the completion of the student’s surgery, compensation requests had already begun. In one written communication, the student’s stepfather, **Mr. Tamba**, explicitly stated:
Whether the boy sees or not, your institution will pay us
This statement raises concerns about the motivation behind the claim and further complicates the school’s efforts to address the matter with goodwill and transparency.
Despite the school's proactive support and interventions, the matter was subsequently reported to the police and has since entered the legal domain. An internal investigation was conducted by **Rev. Simon S. Doe**, Vice Principal for Student Affairs, to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Mr. Mulbah was formally notified and directed to maintain open and consistent communication with the student’s family throughout the student’s recovery.
The school stands by the integrity of its response and actions. **Principal Sagneh** concluded:
“We have done everything within our capacity to provide care and support to Richard Gbaï. While we respect the family’s right to pursue legal redress, we are confident in the steps we have taken and remain focused on ensuring justice, transparency, and the continued safety of all our students.”
Further updates will be shared as this matter proceeds through the appropriate legal channels.
