A civil lawsuit filed before the Civil Law Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, alleges that a security guard employed at a Monrovia business establishment brutally assaulted professional driver John F. Togba, causing serious bodily harm and permanent injuries. The lawsuit seeks millions of dollars in damages against four defendants, including Benedict Tingba, Pilot Security (through its CEO Abraham Kromah), and Nice Ice Cream and Petro Trade.
According to Togba’s complaint, the incident occurred on February 1, 2023, at the Petro Trade Gas Station on 9th Street, Sinkor, where Togba had stopped to purchase fuel. After identifying himself as the driver of a truck parked on the premises, 1st Defendant, Benedict Tingba, believed to be a security officer on duty, reportedly assaulted him without provocation.
The complaint states that the first blow rendered Togba unconscious and knocked out several of his teeth. As he attempted to regain stability, Tingba allegedly struck him a second time with what is believed to be a handcuff, causing additional injury and severe pain.
The complainant says he later regained consciousness while being treated at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor. Togba further asserted that he continues to suffer physical discomfort, severe headaches, and emotional trauma. He noted that he sought additional herbal treatment in rural Liberia. John argued that Tingba was acting within the scope of his employment under the authority of Pilot Security, Nice Ice Cream, and Petro Trade at the time of the incident. Therefore, under the doctrine of respondeat superior, “Let the employer answer,” all defendants should be held jointly and severally liable.
Togba claimed that the involvement of Pilot Security is further confirmed by its decision to hire a lawyer for Tingba and secure his temporary release from Criminal Court “A” on April 21, 2026. Attempts made by John to resolve the matter amicably, including outreach to Pilot Security, according to him, were reportedly ignored. The complaint alleged that the defendants’ actions violated his constitutional rights to equality before the law and due process.
He said he has already incurred US$403 and LD$58,000 in medical, legal, and related expenses.
Togba, therefore, requested the court to award US$403 and LD$58,000 in special damage, no less than US$5,000,000 in general damages for permanent injuries, pain, suffering, and emotional distress, attorney’s fees, research costs, transportation, and all litigation-related expenses and any additional relief the court deems just and fair.
On May 11, 2026, the Civil Law Court issued a Writ of Summons ordering all defendants to file their answers to the complaint on or before May 21, 2026 which time has passed. The writ warned that failure to comply would result in judgment by default.
