Monrovia – Armed officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) have surrounded the residence of STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. in Congo Town in what appears to be an effort to arrest him following a police order for him to surrender a firearm allegedly in his possession.
The development comes hours after Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, through a statement issued by the LNP on Friday, declared Morlu “armed and dangerous” and ordered him to immediately turn over a firearm that authorities say was seized from a police officer during Friday’s anti-drug protest in Monrovia.
Morlu, Chairman of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), was the lead organizer of the July 17 protest, which called on the government to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and abuse and to fully investigate the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure.
During the demonstration, Morlu publicly displayed a firearm, claiming it had been recovered from an alleged intruder. The incident prompted a swift response from the police.
In its statement, the LNP said it had received “credible intelligence” suggesting that the weapon seized during the protest was intended for unlawful purposes. The police further alleged that Morlu was in unlawful possession of the firearm and warned both law enforcement officers and the public to exercise caution.
“The Liberia National Police hereby declares Mr. Mulbah Morlu armed and dangerous and urges the public to exercise extreme caution,” the statement said.
The LNP directed officers not to engage Morlu alone and instructed them to coordinate any response through appropriate command structures. Police also issued what they described as a “final warning,” demanding that Morlu immediately surrender the firearm to the nearest police station or recognized law enforcement authority.
“Failure to do so will result in every lawful measure being taken to recover the weapon and bring all responsible persons before the courts,” the statement added.
As of Saturday morning, heavily armed police officers remained stationed around Morlu’s residence. It was not immediately clear whether Morlu was inside the home or whether any arrest had been made.
FrontPage Africa has not independently verified the police allegations regarding the firearm, and Morlu had not publicly responded to the latest police action as of press time.
FrontPage Africa is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
