A law student at the Liberia School of Law, Keah Cooper, has commended the Government of Liberia for its fight against not only corruption, but also against the abuse of drugs in the country and warned citizens to desist from all forms of political solidarities in favor of crime suspects no matter their status in society.  

Cooper said political solidarities for suspects of criminal offenses pose a serious threat to the country’s justice system and are virtually undermining the credibility of the judicial system, or may prejudice judicial outcomes, if measures are not taken.

 In a statement issued over the weekend, Cooper pointed out that all crimes, especially drug abuse, are serious national security threats, and if Liberians do not pay keen attention and work together, they could damage the future of the nation.

Cooper argued that the drugs law, which was signed into law in 2022, a first-degree felonious offense, is aimed to regulate, restrict, control, limit, or eradicate the illegal export and importation as well as the flagrant use, abuse, and proliferation of narcotic substances within the bailiwick of the Republic of Liberia and is not in any way designed to target any group of specific lawful persons.

“The drugs law should not be misconstrued and politicized as a witch-hunt or selective justice,’’ he stated.  

However, the Liberian Law School student called on the government to remain within the confines of the rule of law in the fight against the deadly practices.

He added that the constitutional rights of all defendants are not negotiable and must be fully protected without any justification.    

“As much as we all appreciate the government’s political will to fight drugs, or crimes in general, we are also keen to remind them to remain lawful, especially law enforcement officers, so that they themselves will not be the violators of law they are protecting or will not abuse others’ constitutional rights,’’ he said.

Cooper warned that “suspects are not convicts, and therefore should be treated as innocent until proven guilty, especially as regards their rights to due process, right to life, right to fair trial, right to a speedy and public trial, which are fundamental rights that must be protected at all times regardless of the persons before the law. ‘’

In an African legal system, “Taytay-mo-taytay” (the law is the law), Cooper intimated that all persons are equal before the law and must be treated equally, regardless of their status and capacity in society.

He encouraged Liberians to continue their advocacy for fair justice and respect for the rules of law.

‘‘Liberia deserves to be a crime-free society, and Liberians deserve to live a better life,’’ Cooper said.   

“Drugs affect all citizens regardless of which party, religion, or community you are part of. Therefore, we call all well-meaning Liberians to support the Government of Liberia’s efforts in the fight against drugs, and desist from challenging law enforcement officers,’’ he added.  

GANTA, Nimba County — Two Pilot  security officers were hospitalized on Friday, August 14  after allegedly being poisoned during a burglary at the Conex (formerly Total) Gas Station  in Ganta City, Nimba County.

By D. Franklin Doloquee

The injured officers, identified as Stanley Gbatu, 39, and Jeremiah Dorror Boakai, 38, were on duty when unknown assailants reportedly offered them food and drinks.

The men became ill after consuming the items and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Pilot Security is owned by former   head of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency(LDEA) Abraham Kromah.

Station staff say the  burglars forced entry into the Conex Compound and stole a substantial amount of cash.

Ganta police have opened an investigation, but no arrests have been announced.

Business owners and residents say this is the eighth reported burglary in Ganta in less than three years.

The recent string of incidents has heightened fears among traders and raised concerns about public safety in the commercial district.

Several business owners in Ganta alleged a pattern in which perpetrators give substances to security personnel on duty before committing thefts.

They say other establishments, including SP Gas Station have been targeted in similar incidents over the past three years, with no arrests reported.

Gbatu and Boakai remain under medical care and have not yet spoken publicly about the incident.

Meanwhile, criminal activity in Ganta continues to worry local traders and residents.

Mobrovia-“I was hired to kill you,” was the alleged warning that turned fear into cash, that later landed 61-year-old Saah Fayiah Jr., alias Alahaji Bamba, in prison.

Liberian police say Fayiah allegedly posed as a traditional herbalist and convinced a woman, Pauline S. Zaza, a resident of Lower Margibi County, that her life was in immediate danger, before allegedly collecting US$7,200 from her through a series of demands for spiritual sacrifices.

According to a police charge sheet dated August 13, Fayiah allegedly told Madan Zaza that an unidentified man had paid him US$5,000 to kill her.

Police say Fayiah further claimed Zaza had only three days to live.

The alleged threat set in motion what investigators describe as a calculated scheme that allegedly exploited Zaza’s fear and belief in traditional spiritual intervention.

THREE-DAY DEATH WARNING

According to investigators, Zaza initially responded by sending Fayiah LD$5,000 after allegedly being told that her life was under threat.

Police say Fayiah later traveled to Fendell, where he allegedly performed what Zaza believed was a spiritual ritual.

Investigators allege that the encounter intensified the woman’s fears.

Fayiah allegedly told Zaza that spiritual forces were threatening her and that money was needed to perform sacrifices.

Among the alleged demands were funds to purchase a cow, goat and chicken.

What began with an alleged death threat would eventually result in thousands of United States dollars allegedly changing hands.

Police say Zaza ultimately paid Fayiah US$7,200 in several instalments.

But investigators allege the demands did not stop there.

ANOTHER US$3,000 DEMANDED

According to the police account, Fayiah subsequently demanded another US$3,000.

Zaza allegedly could not raise the entire amount.

Police say she managed to provide US$2,000.

Then came another demand.

Investigators alleged that on August 11, Fayiah requested an additional US$100 and instructed Zaza to meet him in Clara Town.

But this time, police say, investigators were waiting.

Fayiah was reportedly arrested during the planned meeting after Zaza had already complained to authorities.

THE WITNESS WHO FOLLOWED THE TRAIL

The investigation reportedly includes the account of Solomon Grant, a witness who told police he accompanied Zaza to meetings with Fayiah on six occasions.

Grant reportedly said Zaza believed Fayiah was a native doctor and sought his assistance because of the alleged threat against her life.

His account could become important if prosecutors seek to establish how the alleged scheme operated and how Fayiah allegedly maintained Zaza’s confidence in his claims.

FAYIAH DENIES THE ACCUSATION

Fayiah has reportedly denied the allegations.

According to police, he told investigators that his dealings with Zaza were connected to a land dispute and an effort to help her become wealthy.

He reportedly denied threatening Zaza or deceiving her into surrendering money.

But investigators say they found no evidence that Fayiah was a legitimate herbalist and no evidence supporting his alleged claim that someone had hired him to kill Zaza.

That finding raises a more troubling question at the heart of the case, how much money can fear extract from a vulnerable person when the person creating the fear presents himself as the one capable of providing salvation.

WHEN FEAR BECOMES A BUSINESS

The case highlights a sensitive issue in Liberia: the exploitation of traditional beliefs and fear for financial gain.

For many Liberians, traditional medicine and spiritual practices remain part of everyday life. 

But police say the Fayiah case involves something fundamentally different, the alleged use of a fabricated threat of death to obtain money.

If proven in court, the allegations would suggest that the supposed danger was not merely a threat from an unknown attacker.

It was allegedly the foundation of the entire scheme.

The alleged message was simple, pay, or die. And each new demand allegedly came with another reason why payment was necessary.

CHARGED WITH THEFT OF PROPERTY

Fayiah has been charged with Theft of Property under Section 15.51 of Liberia’s Revised Penal Law and was forwarded to the Monrovia City Court on Friday, August 14. 

The charge follows a police investigation triggered by Zaza’s complaint and culminating in Fayiah’s arrest.

He remains in custody as the legal process proceeds.

The prosecution will ultimately have to establish in court that the alleged payments were obtained through conduct that satisfies the elements of the criminal offense.

The police charge sheet represents allegations, not a judicial finding of guilt.

A CASE BEYOND US$7,200

At face value, the case is about US$7,200.

But the allegations raise a much larger concern.

If someone can allegedly convince another person that an assassin has been paid to kill her, and then allegedly position himself as the only person capable of preventing that death, where does spiritual counselling end and criminal exploitation begin?

And when fear becomes the currency, how many victims remain silent because they are embarrassed to admit they believed the threat. 

For Zaza, police intervention allegedly ended the cycle on August 11.

For Fayiah, however, the next battle will be fought not through rituals or spiritual claims, but in a courtroom.

There, prosecutors will have to prove whether the frightening story that allegedly extracted thousands of dollars from a terrified woman was a genuine warning, or a carefully constructed deception designed to make money.

Fayiah has been remanded behind bars by Monrovia City Court Judge Ben Barco and he remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Summary:

• A key prosecution witness stepped from the stand and identified the remaining defendants one by one, describing them as “wicked people.” 
• Prosecutors say the testimony could prove pivotal in Liberia’s largest human trafficking trial, where defendants face lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
• Two other state witnesses corroborated her testimony and highlighted alleged ill-treatment including beating, torture and denial of food among others in a compound close to the residence of Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Koung.

By Anthony Stephens, senior justice correspondent with  New Narratives 

In a dramatic testimony in Liberia’s largest human-trafficking case, a key prosecution witness left her wooden chair in the courtroom and walked—about five steps—to the defendants’ dock  to identify the remaining men and women on trial. 

The witness, identified as L., to protect her from retribution, stood at the dock of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice, the seat of Liberia’s judiciary, and used the index finger of her right hand to point out each defendant: Bill Plato; Wuo Zekarso Garteh (also referred to in testimony as Daniel Davis); Jerome Genseh; Luther Flomo; Alexander Plato; Daylue Kargon; and Stanley Wonlebaye. Blessing Favor Suah, named in the indictment, was not present and remains at large, as do other individuals whom the prosecution said witnesses have contiuned to identify as part of the alleged trafficking scheme.

The testimony came after four of the defendents—Shelley Jonny, Maxson Wonlebaye, Martherline Tompia and Preston Godfred pleaded guilty last week. State prosecutors only dropped charges agaisnt Jonny, arguing that the evidence showed the other three were the principal perpetrators of the crimes.

The courtroom fell silent as L., with a wireless microphone in hand, stood and identified the defendants and described who they are.

“These are the wicked people them there,” she said in Liberian English.

But when Carlor directed attention to Alexander Plato, L. did not identify him. “I na see him. I know him. His name Alexander Plato,” she said.Carlo’s concern played out audibly and visibly for those watching and for those able to overhear from the media area near the dock. Carlor then turned to Bill Plato and asked whether L. had correctly indicated him. Bill Plato nodded affirmatively.

Prosecutors say L. is a key witness and that her testimony was important to support their argument for long prison sentences. They want a minimum of 20 years for each defendant in line with Liberia’s amended human trafficking law. L.’s dramatic moment is similar to the one displayed last week by another witness identified as S. She stood firmly and pointed at Davis and from the stand and accused him of raping her.

During her testimony, L. said she became ill while being held in a compound

in Gbankpa Town, near the residence of Liberia’s Vice President, Jeremiah Koung along the Roberts International Airport highway and that her captors refused to allow her to seek medical treatment. She said the death of Ophelia Melway, one of the victims, sparked protests among those being held in the compound. The unrest, she said, eventually overwhelmed Luther Flomo, whom she and other witnesses identified as a security guard, allowing them to escape.

L. further testified that she was recruited for a failed trip to Canada by Wonlebaye, whom she described as her cousin. She told the court that her father paid a total of US$1,200—US$930 first and US$270 later.

L. testified that she spent one year and two months in the compound. She said that as the promised trip became increasingly impossible, Wonlebaye, Davis and others urged calm.

“Be patient. To take poverty from your family, da na small thing,” L. recalled them saying.

The remark drew laughter from some jurors and others in the courtroom. A few feet away, some of the defendants she named sat quietly in the dock.

L. also testified that whenever she pressed for answers about the trip, she was punished.

“Pumping tire, drinking water, standing in the sun,” she said in response to a question from Sumo Kutu Akoi, Liberia’s senior human trafficking prosecutor. “There were so many punishments.”

Her account echoed testimony given Monday by Z., the prosecution’s first witness, who also described harsh punishments and deteriorating conditions inside the compound.

Z., told the court that ill-treatment—including torture, beatings, and deprivation of food—was common in the compound.

“I did not have freedom,” he said. “I did not have rigth to my own communication. And they severely punished me.”They told me I hsould pump tire 200 times. I was forced to do that. And they determined what I ate.”

He said Davis took his phone and required him to undergo a three-day training so that he could become accustomed to what Z. described as “the white people system.” Z. also said the defendants forced him to make calls to his relatives.

Z. testified that he had been recruited from Nimba County by Godfred. Z. told the court that Godfred—his high school friend—spoke to him about a trip to Canada in place of Godfred’s brother, whose kidney condition allegedly caused a failed visa application and disrupted the plan.

According to Z., Godfred asked him to raise US$2,000 for the trip, but Z. said that he did not have the full amount. He said his father could raise only US$1,075 and that he Z. personally gave the money to Davis. He said Davis then provided a receipt. Z. told the court that once he reached Monrovia, he was taken to the compound where the other victims were being held. Z. said that he met a well-dressed Davis behind a computer there—an account that matched testimony given by other witnesses.

Z. said he remained in the compound for eight months and became frustrated after repeated failed promises. He said that Davis repeatedly urged patience: “He told me ‘traveling business is not one or two days time. So, you get to be patient.’”

During cross-examination, the defense sought to highlight perceived contradictions in Z.’s testimony. One disputed point concerned Z.’s claim that he could read and write but had not written his own statement to police. Mamae Gongbah, one of the defense lawyers, questioned him at length. Z. testified that he was confused and therefore said he could not write. The courtroom erupted into laughter when Gongbah repeated the questioning.

Prosecution objected to what it characterized as “battering the witness,” and the court sustained that objection, with Judge Roosevelt Willie ruling that the questions were “irelevent” because people could read and write and that others could write statements for them. Willie also upheld a prosecution objection requiring M. to show a document indicating that she worked for the Canaan government.

Z. also addressed the death of Melway in his testimony, saying: “she was killed.” He said she had been removed for medical reasons. “She was seriously ill and they took her out,” he said. When asked at the close of his testimony by Judge Willie whether Melway died in the compound, he replied, “She did not die in the fense.”

Later in the day, the prosecution called a second witness, identified only as “P.” to protect her from retribution. P. testified that she, like L., was recruited for a failed Canadian trip by Wonlebaye, whom she also described as her cousin. She said Wonlebaye asked her to pay US$2,000 but that she only had US$950. She testified that Wonlebaye told her that anyone she could find or recruit could be the source of additional money. “Then he said, ‘anyone you get, you can bring it,’” P. said, describing instructions from Wonlebaye. “Then he said ‘you can make your way.’”

P. testified that she paid the money to Alexander Plato and that she repeatedly raised concerns about the status of the trip.

She told the court that she was compelled to call relatives to send money. When she initially refused, she said, she was punished.

“Preston give 5 bags of water to drink,” P. said. “Then Matherline Tompia put chairs in my hand nad asked me to kneel down. All those people that sitting down there, they were there. All of them used to punish me.”

During cross-examination, a 15-minute dispute developed between prosecutors and defense for over a question about the “transfer” of P. The prosecution argued the issue had already been answered, while the defense disagreed. Willie ruled that the witness should not answer the question, saying the both issues of transfer and transportation had already been addressed and that the defense should not proceed with the question because the witness had already described how she had been taken from Nimba and transferred to the compound.

The trial continues Tuesday, with more state witnesses scheduled to take the stand.

This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was provided by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency which had no say in the story’s content.

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.  Peterp.toe@frontpageafricaonline.com

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.

Monrovia — In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the nation, a 58-year-old woman from River Gee County was stripped naked, publicly humiliated and forced to parade through her community after being accused of practicing witchcraft.

By Patience M. Jones patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The disturbing incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has reignited concerns about the persistence of harmful traditional practices, violence against women, and the vulnerability of elderly women in rural Liberia.

According to the Liberia National Police (LNP), the victim, Madam Regina Partah, a 58-year-old woman, was subjected to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment on March 8 in Torroken Town, Kilepo Chiefdom, River Gee County.

Police investigations revealed that Madam Partah was allegedly forced to strip naked and publicly parade through the town by individuals who accused her of witchcraft.

Authorities further allege that Abraham Koklue, a 21-year-old Guinean national believed to be a traditional medicine practitioner, carried a single-barrel rifle, fired several rounds into the air and ordered the woman to repeatedly squat while community members looked on.

Perhaps even more disturbing was the apparent participation and support of some residents, including women, who were heard in the video justifying the abuse based on allegations that the victim had caused harm through witchcraft.

The Liberia National Police has since launched a full-scale investigation and arrested five individuals allegedly connected to the incident.

Those currently under investigation include Abraham Koklue, Cyrus Tenpo, Thomas Sloh, Doe Wapplo II, and Patrick Swen.

Speaking in River Gee County, ACP Theophilus Togbah, Commander of the Liberia National Police Detachment, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that the matter remains under active investigation.

“The investigation remains active, and anyone found criminally liable will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Liberia,” ACP Togbah stated.

The case has generated widespread outrage among citizens, human rights advocates and women’s rights organizations, who have condemned the incident as a gross violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.

For many observers, the image of an elderly woman stripped of her dignity before an entire community serves as a painful reminder that accusations of witchcraft continue to place women—particularly older women—at risk of abuse, violence, and social exclusion.

No allegation, rumor or suspicion should ever justify the public humiliation of another human being. Every citizen, regardless of age, gender, social status or accusation, is entitled to dignity, due process, and protection under the law.

The incident comes at a time when Liberia is intensifying efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices.

On February 10, the National Campaigners Against Harmful Traditional Practices (NACAHP), with support from UN Women, the Embassy of Ireland and other partners, launched the “Born Perfect, Stay Perfect” campaign in Totota, Bong County.

The initiative seeks to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices affecting women and girls across Liberia.

While the campaign focuses primarily on ending harmful practices against women and girls, the events in Kilepo demonstrate that much work remains to be done in protecting vulnerable citizens from abuse rooted in harmful beliefs, stigma and discrimination.

Women’s rights advocates argue that safeguarding women and girls must extend beyond policy commitments and awareness campaigns to include stronger community engagement, law enforcement action and accountability for perpetrators.

What happened to Madam Regina Partah is more than an isolated incident—it is a test of Liberia’s commitment to human rights, justice, and the protection of its most vulnerable citizens.

As the investigation continues, many Liberians are asking a difficult but necessary question: Is this the society we want for ourselves?

The answer will be measured not only by the outcome of this case but also by the collective willingness of communities, leaders and institutions to stand against violence, reject harmful practices, and uphold the dignity of every human being.

Justice for Madam Partah is not only about one woman. It is about protecting the rights, dignity and humanity of all women and girls in Liberia.

Duazon, Margibi County — A shocking act of violence in the Palm Bush Community along the Robertsfield Highway has left a 40-year-old security guard battling severe injuries after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a co-worker over a US$10 debt dispute.

By Patience M. Jones

The victim, Mulbah A. Raliey, a father of five and resident of Bentu, District 17, Montserrado County, is currently undergoing painful treatment following the May 3 incident that nearly claimed his life.

According to Mulbah, harsh economic conditions forced him to leave his family behind and relocate to the Palm Bush Community in search of work. He was employed as a security guard at the Belle Azure Beach Resort alongside the suspect, identified as Prince Kardor, 32, a resident of the same community.

Mulbah disclosed that due to financial hardship and pressure from his family, he borrowed US$20 from Prince months ago. He later repaid half of the amount and promised to settle the remaining US$10 upon receiving his salary.

However, what began as a small debt allegedly escalated into repeated threats and intimidation.

“If you don’t pay my money, I will kill you,” Mulbah recalled the suspect repeatedly telling him.

According to the victim, Prince allegedly harassed and threatened him constantly at work, often menacingly brandishing a cutlass.

Mulbah narrated that on the day of the incident, tensions rose after rumors circulated that someone had given him money. He claimed Prince immediately demanded payment and allegedly sat waiting for him with a cutlass in hand before community members intervened and confiscated the weapon.

Despite warnings from witnesses to avoid the suspect, Mulbah said he later encountered Prince while returning to their work post. The disagreement reportedly turned violent, resulting in a physical struggle between the two men.

Mulbah recounted that after escorting Prince and his girlfriend home, he turned to head back on duty when he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

“Before I could realize what was happening, he had already stabbed me in my back,” the victim explained.

He said he attempted to flee but collapsed unconscious in front of a local shop owned by Acting Chairman Othello Q. Holmes, popularly known as “Crab.”

Community residents rushed Mulbah to the 14 Military Hospital, where he received emergency treatment for multiple stab wounds.

Speaking from his recovery bed, Mulbah said he continues to suffer severe chest and back pain, especially at night.

“I can barely sleep because of the pain. Doctors told me not to do hard labor again because my injuries are very deep,” he lamented.

The victim further disclosed that he has received no sympathy or support from the suspect’s family since the incident occurred.

Acting Chairman Othello Q. Holmes confirmed that he has been personally assisting with the victim’s treatment.

According to Holmes, the hospital initially demanded a US$150 deposit before treatment could begin. “I paid the money because the man was dying,” Crab explained.

He further stated that despite the victim still being in serious condition, mounting medical costs forced them to continue treatment from home under medical supervision.

Holmes said he has only received 10,000 Liberian Dollars from the suspect’s family, an amount he described as insignificant compared to the expenses incurred so far. He appealed to the public, humanitarian organizations, and well-meaning individuals to assist him in obtaining proper medical treatment to prevent his condition from worsening. 

Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged suspect Prince Kardor with Aggravated Assault, in violation of Chapter 14, Subchapter B, Section 14.20 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.

The case has since been forwarded to the Unification Magisterial Court for prosecution.

According to the police investigation report, both men had been involved in a heated argument over the unpaid debt before the situation escalated into violence.

Police stated that during questioning, Prince admitted stabbing Mulbah with a broken bottle during a fight, claiming he acted after being overpowered by the victim during a confrontation near a palm tree stump.

Investigators confirmed that Mulbah sustained multiple injuries to his back and was bleeding profusely before being transported to the hospital by community members.

The incident has sparked outrage within the Palm Bush Community, with many residents calling for justice and stronger interventions to address rising violence linked to economic hardship and disputes.

DUAZON, Margibi County —A shocking late-night incident in the Palms Bush Community, Silver Beach, Dauzon, Margibi County has left a man fighting for his life after he was allegedly stabbed multiple times by his close friend over a dispute reportedly involving just US$10.

By Patience M. Jones  

The victim, identified as Mulbah Amadu, was brutally attacked by a man known as Prince in an incident that occurred around 11:45 p.m. near their place of work. Both men are said to be employed as security guards at the Belle Azure Beach Resort.

According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began when Prince demanded that Mulbah pay his debts of US$10, allegedly threatening to kill him if he failed to do so. Witnesses say the situation quickly escalated when Prince initially attempted to attack Mulbah with a cutlass, but was stopped by a community member.

Undeterred, Prince reportedly retrieved a knife, which was seized by his girlfriend before he could use it. However, he then armed himself with a broken bottle and allegedly stabbed Mulbah four times in the side, leaving him severely wounded and bleeding profusely.

Residents say the attack may have been fueled by more than a financial dispute. Some allege that Prince had previously accused Mulbah of stealing building materials from their workplace, while others believe jealousy may have played a role, citing Mulbah’s reputation for hard work and praise from employers.

Speaking to reporters, the Acting Chairman of the Palms Bush Community, Othello Q. Holmes, said he found Mulbah collapsed and bleeding in front of his shop.

“When I asked what happened, he could only say ‘Prince, Prince’ before he fell to the ground,” Holmes recounted.

Holmes further disclosed that when confronted, Prince admitted to engaging in an argument involving Mulbah and another individual identified as J. Martin.

He claimed that after initially leaving the scene, he returned and attacked Mulbah from behind.

The landlady of the suspect also raised concerns about Prince’s history of violent behavior, alleging that he had previously attacked his girlfriend with a knife, forcing her to flee naked for safety.

Community members echoed similar concerns, describing Prince as someone who frequently issued threats during disputes.

Following the attack, Prince reportedly fled to his residence, prompting angry residents to gather and attempt mob justice. However, swift intervention by Chairman Holmes prevented further violence, and the Liberia National Police were called to the scene.

Prince was subsequently arrested and taken to the Dauzon Police Depot for investigation.

Meanwhile, Mulbah Amadu was rushed unconscious to the 14 Military Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent incident that has left many in shock.

The Liberia National Police has yet to release an official statement but confirmed that the suspect is in custody as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Barclayville, Grand Kru County– The Barclayville City Magisterial Court did not order the transfer of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Clement Barlatt, despite claims in a media report.

Court documents in Case No. 25 confirm that Stipendiary Magistrate Boniface Toe Tweh issued a Writ of Arrest on April 28, 2026, directing the court sheriff to arrest and bring Barlatt before the court to answer to a charge of criminal coercion. The writ strictly orders his appearance and contains no instruction for transfer.

Under Liberia’s legal structure, a magistrate cannot transfer a police officer. The Liberia National Police falls under the Executive Branch through the Ministry of Justice, and only the Inspector General of Police or the Minister of Justice has authority over personnel transfers. Such decisions affect duty post, rank, pay, and command structure, and are governed by the LNP Act of 2015, Civil Service Standing Orders, and internal police regulations.

Legal experts say while a court may request cooperation or recommend action, it cannot enforce administrative decisions within the police, in keeping with the separation of powers under Article 3 of the 1986 Constitution.

The case stems from a public dispute between Grand Kru County Administrator Alphonso Teah and ACP Clement Barlatt, which escalated into legal action.

In a radio interview on Ahteenah Radio, Barlatt accused Teah of coercing residents of the Dougbo Community to file false complaints against him at the police headquarters in Monrovia.

He also alleged that the county administrator was involved in the sale of a police vehicle, a company container, and scrap materials within the county.

Barlatt claimed the disputed police vehicle broke down in 2023 during the administration of former President George Weah and was left in the Dougbo area. According to him, attempts were later made to remove and sell the vehicle, a move he resisted after consulting his superiors. He further alleged that the vehicle was eventually retrieved from a buyer after police intervention.

The police commander also accused Teah of misrepresenting the status of the vehicle to the General Services Agency, claiming it had been abandoned an assertion he rejected.

For his part, Teah filed a complaint accusing Barlatt of defamation of character, citing the officer’s public allegations that he was involved in the sale of government and private property. Teah maintains that his complaint was triggered by what he described as damaging and unsubstantiated claims made against him.

The writ of arrest now before the court is based on allegations that Barlatt’s statements constitute criminal coercion under Liberia’s Penal Law.

Despite the escalating dispute and counter-accusations, the court’s role remains limited to adjudicating the criminal complaint and ensuring the accused appears.

Any decision regarding ACP Barlatt’s reassignment or transfer rests solely with the leadership of the police through the Executive Branch not the court.

COTTON TREE, Margibi County—A 25-year-old resident of the Cotton Tree Community in Lower Margibi County is currently under investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) following his arrest for alleged possession of a short single-barrel firearm and one empty red shell.

By  Yawah Y. Jaivey

The suspect, identified as Justice Nyangbo, was arrested on Saturday, April 11 at his residence in Pingo Camp, Harbel (Crab Hole) within the Cotton Tree area.

The suspect was later on Sunday, April 12 transferred to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Zone One Police Station in Lower Margibi County for further investigation.

According to a police source, during preliminary questioning, the suspect admitted to possessing the firearm.

He also stated that he is employed with Bee Security Guard Service and is assigned to Harbel Hill.

Suspect Nyangbo reportedly told investigators that on January 17,  he purchased the firearm from an individual identified as Emmanuel Kollie, who was reportedly traveling to Bong County, for the amount of five thousand Liberian dollars (LD$5,000).

He further explained that on Saturday, April 11 at approximately 20:30 hours, he accidentally discharged the weapon while on his way to buy food.

The incident reportedly drew the attention of an angry crowd that attempted to attack him before officers of the Liberia National Police intervened and rescued him.