This legal dispute centers around 9.25 acres of land in Tweh Farm Community, Montserrado County, Liberia, and the demolition of properties situated thereon. Former Superintendent Grace Kpan and her husband, Oliver Kpan, asserted ownership of the land and subsequently demolished several structures, leading to accusations of unlawful destruction by residents, including Benson Kun. However, court documentation reveals that the Kpans acted upon a legally obtained eviction order.
The demolition, executed on April 12, 2025, stemmed from a 2022 eviction order issued by Judge Scheaplor R. Dunbar of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County. This order was the culmination of a legal battle, “Oliver and Grace Kpan Versus Gibson Mayor, Theresa Segbo, Et.AL.,” which concluded with the court ruling in favor of the Kpans and granting them possession of the disputed land. Judge Dunbar’s order explicitly instructed the Clerk of Court to evict the defendants and place the Kpans in “complete, full, and unrestricted possession” of the property.
Prior to the demolition, efforts were made to inform the community about the court’s decision. A meeting was held on June 25, 2022, involving representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Liberia Land Authority. Community leaders and residents were informed of the impending eviction and the Kpans’ legal right to the land. Despite this notification, the demolition proceeded, prompting legal action from affected residents.
Following the demolition, Benson Kun and other residents filed a complaint with the Monrovia City Court, accusing Grace Kpan and the demolition crew of criminal mischief. They alleged that their houses were unlawfully destroyed and sought damages exceeding US$241,450. A writ of arrest was issued for Grace Kpan and the operators of the demolition equipment. The complainants argued that the demolition was a criminal act, carried out intentionally and unlawfully.
However, the legal basis for the Kpans’ actions was further solidified by the findings of a Board of Arbitration established by Judge Dunbar. This board examined the land title and determined that the Kpans possessed a valid warranty deed, signed by Sarah M. Jegede as grantor, and duly probated and registered. Furthermore, the board’s investigation revealed that the residents’ claims to the land were based on transactions with an individual named Mr. Koon, who, according to the board, did not possess any land within the community. This significantly undermined the residents’ claims and reinforced the legality of the Kpans’ ownership.
The board concluded that the land rightfully belonged to the Kpans based on the presented deed, the survey data, and the questionable provenance of the residents’ claims. This effectively countered the accusations of unlawful demolition and supported the Kpans’ assertion that they acted within their legal rights as the rightful owners of the property. The Kpans’ legal representation was provided by Sayeh & Sayeh Law Firm, further demonstrating their commitment to pursuing the matter through proper legal channels. The case highlights the complexities of land ownership disputes and the importance of adhering to legal procedures when resolving such conflicts.
