LINSU UPDATES THE PUBLIC ON THE SITUATION OF THE LATE SCHOLAR SAM POAR AND APPRECIATES THE GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ACTORS FOR SWIFT INTERVENTION

Monrovia, Liberia – January 9, 2025-The Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) wishes to formally update the general public on developments surrounding the tragic death of the late Liberian scholar, Sam Poar, and to appreciate the Government of Liberia and other actors for their timely and decisive interventions.

On December 23, 2025, the youth, student community, and the Republic of Liberia woke up to the devastating news of the gruesome death of Sam Poar, a 29-year-old Liberian student pursuing an MBA degree in India. Reports indicated that the late scholar allegedly died from an incident between him and a group of Sudanese students. This unfortunate incident sent shockwaves across the nation and the Liberian diaspora.

WHO WAS SAM POAR AS A LIBERIAN SCHOLAR STUDYING IN INDIA?

Sam Poar was not just another Liberian scholar representing the Republic abroad. He was a dreamer, a fighter, and a symbol of hope:
A 2016 graduate of Cape Palmas High School, Harper, Maryland County. He is a 2021 graduate of William V. S. Tubman University, where he earned a degree in Secondary Education; A hardworking young Liberian who secured an international scholarship to pursue higher education abroad; it is heart-tearing to mention that before his bright future was violently stolen, Sam was a graduating senior student studying Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Kalinga University, India.

Sam represented the resilience and brilliance of Liberian youth.  And we want to emphasize that his murder is an attack on every Liberian student, at home and abroad.

However, upon hearing this sad development, LINSU issued a strong statement condemning the savage and heinous act and called on the Government of Liberia to take urgent steps to ensure that justice is served for our fallen constituent member. In that statement, LINSU made the following clear and strong NON-NEGOTIABLE Demands and recommendations to the Government of Liberia:

1. That the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions, urgently engage the Indian authorities to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied for the late scholar Sam Poar, a Liberian national killed abroad.

2. That the Government of India guarantees a thorough investigation and fair prosecution of all individuals found blameworthy and/or liable in the killing of the Liberian scholar.

3. That the Liberian Government institutes stronger protective mechanisms to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of Liberian students studying abroad.

It is important to stress that LINSU was conspicuously clear that: the continuous abuse, neglect, and violation of Liberian students’ rights abroad—especially in India—has reached a breaking point, and that enough is enough. Silence and inaction will no longer be tolerated moving forward.

In addition, LINSU issued a strong warning to the Government of Liberia and the Indian authorities that this case regarding the unjustifiable killing of SAM must go to the very end. The lives of Liberian students are not disposable or throwaway. Those responsible for Sam Poar’s death must be tracked, arrested, tried, and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Anything short of this will be seen as complicity and failure.

Having closely followed the situation to what we consider approximately 85% of its logical conclusion, LINSU is pleased to inform the public of the significant progress made.
First and foremost, while we remain deeply pained by the loss of our student, LINSU commends the Government of Liberia, particularly through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its swift and sustained intervention from December 23, 2025, to date. The timely actions of the Government have contributed immensely to the progress recorded, especially in ensuring that justice is being pursued.

We note with appreciation that based on LINSU’s unbending position on this issue, the alleged culprits were arrested a few weeks ago, an outcome largely attributed to the uncompromising efforts of the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was physically present and relentlessly pursued the matter with the Indian authorities- exerting maximum diplomatic pressure to prevent this case from being swept under the carpet.

Additionally, LINSU is pleased to inform the public that all arrangements have been finalized for the repatriation of the remains of the late Sam Poar to Liberia. The body is expected to arrive in Liberia on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM, via the Roberts International Airport (RIA).

LINSU extends special appreciation to Hon. Anthony F. Williams, Representative of District 2, Maryland County, for his active involvement and the instrumental role he played in ensuring that justice is served. This, indeed, is a demonstration of leadership and patriotism.

In conclusion, we are pleased to inform the general public that the leadership of the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU), along with the family of the late Sam Poar and Hon. Anthony F. Williams, will be present to honorably receive the remains of our constituent member on the aforementioned date.

To the family of the late Sam Poar, LINSU extends its deepest condolences. We stand in solidarity with you during this painful period and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice until the very end. 
Yours in Students’ Service, 
Signed:
Darius S. Toweh
Secretary General

Approved:
James K. Washington
President