Published: September 4, 2025
MONROVIA — A Paynesville clinic administrator on trial for a patient’s death, during cross-examination Tuesday, revealed that he is not a licensed medical doctor or surgeon, despite performing procedures including Caesarean sections and appendectomies at the Lofa Medical Clinic.
Testifying at Criminal Court ‘A’ at the Temple of Justice, defendant Sam S. Worlubah told the jury he was only licensed as a surgical technician by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council — a credential that allows him to assist doctors in the operating room, not perform surgery independently.
“Yes, I am not a medical doctor. Yes, I am not a surgeon,” Worlubah acknowledged when questioned by state prosecutors. He also conceded that the Lofa Medical Clinic, located in Jacob Town, Paynesville, was not authorized by law to conduct surgeries.
The case involves the death of 38-year-old Samuel Kollie in March 2025, following what Worlubah described as an appendectomy he performed at the clinic. The prosecution claims Worlubah conducted the procedure unlawfully, resulting in Kollie’s death, and has charged him with murder.
Courtroom Exchanges
During questioning, prosecutors pressed Worlubah on whether he had performed a Caesarean section on state witness Mary Kollie in the past. He admitted he had. He also confirmed under oath that his facility was not accredited to perform such surgeries.
When the presiding judge asked him to explain his specialty, Worlubah said his “practical experience” led him to limit his surgeries to Caesarean sections, appendectomies, and “odd-ion” operations, though he quickly admitted he had no license to perform them.
“I was licensed as a surgical technician,” he told the court. “Yes, I learned how to perform surgical procedures, but I am not licensed to conduct operations independently.”
Defense Testimony
In his direct testimony, Worlubah recounted receiving a call on March 17, 2025, from Mary Kollie, sister of the deceased, reporting that her brother had been experiencing stomach pains and vomiting for a week. The next day, Worlubah said he diagnosed Samuel Kollie with appendicitis and recommended surgery, agreeing on a fee of US$225 with the family.
He testified that a consent form was signed before surgery and that laboratory results showed the patient also tested positive for “hepatitis B.” According to Worlubah, the operation was successful, and the patient was stable overnight.
The following morning, however, Worlubah said he was informed that Kollie had died. He claimed nurses later told him the patient had been given food, against medical advice. “We have a policy that no patient who undergoes surgery eats within 48 hours unless approved by nurses, but that policy was not followed,” he said.
Shutdown and Charges
Days later, Worlubah said officials from the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, accompanied by police, shut down the clinic. He was arrested, detained for a week, and initially charged with manslaughter. The case was later transferred to Criminal Court “A” with the charge upgraded to murder.
Worlubah told the court he issued a death certificate listing heart failure as the cause of death. Prosecutors have indicated they will call a rebuttal witness to challenge his claims.
The trial continues.
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