FISH TOWN, River Gee County — Eight individuals have been forwarded to the Fish-Town Magisterial Court by the River Gee County Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) in connection with the alleged public abuse, humiliation and mistreatment of a 58-year-old woman in Kelipo Torroken Town, River Gee County.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr. [email protected]
The suspects were officially charged and sent to court on June 8 following the conclusion of a police investigation that was triggered by a viral video showing the elderly woman allegedly being subjected to degrading treatment.
The video rapidly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread public outrage both within River Gee County and across Liberia.
According to the LNP, the investigation was launched to establish whether criminal offenses had been committed and to ensure that those allegedly responsible are held accountable under Liberian law.
River Gee County Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Theophilus Togbah, disclosed that the suspects are accused of participating in acts that allegedly led to the victim’s public humiliation, coercion, harassment, and unlawful restraint.
ACP Togbah clarified that the investigation focused strictly on criminal conduct and not on allegations of witchcraft, stressing that such claims are not recognized as criminal offenses under Liberian law.
The named suspects include Patrick Swen, Doe Waplo, Esther Welabo, Princess Appleton, Moses Tarwole, Rufus Swen, Benedict Taryon, and Cyrus Tinapo.
Police investigators said evidence gathered during the probe, including video footage widely circulated on social media, established sufficient probable cause to forward the case for prosecution. Based on these findings, the suspects have been charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal coercion and harassment.
The case has since been transferred to the Fish-Town Magisterial Court, where judicial proceedings are expected to commence in accordance with due process of law.
Authorities further revealed that the investigation remains ongoing, warning that additional individuals may be charged if further evidence links them to the incident.
For her protection, dignity, and personal safety, authorities have withheld the identity of the 58-year-old victim.
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has reiterated that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The police also called on the public to refrain from speculation, interference, or any actions that could intimidate witnesses or influence the outcome of the case.
The LNP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that all forms of violence, mob action, and public humiliation must be addressed through legal channels rather than vigilante justice.
The case has since drawn national attention and is expected to reignite public debate on mob justice, the protection of vulnerable persons, and respect for due process in Liberia’s rural communities.
