Monrovia – Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) Chairman Mulbah Morlu has broken his silence following his release from police custody on Saturday after being questioned over a firearm seized during Friday’s protest.
By Jaheim T. Tumu, [email protected]
Morlu maintained that he acted lawfully and cooperated fully with investigators.
“We did nothing wrong,” Morlu told reporters shortly after his release. “They have threatened the lives of innocent citizens and protesters. We should have been commended instead of being invited to the police station.”
Morlu stressed that he has remained cooperative throughout the investigation and described himself as a law-abiding citizen.
“It is what it is, and we’re going home. Thanks to the Lord,” he said. “I’m always cooperating. I’m a law-abiding citizen. I’m not a criminal.”
He maintained that he could have surrendered the weapon during the protest but chose to do so in a manner that would not create confusion among demonstrators.
“The police asked for the weapon. I couldn’t deliver it in front of protesters to police officers, but we turned the weapon over and cooperated,” Morlu said.
In a separate interview, Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman confirmed that the firearm had been taken from a police officer during the protest and was later traced to an individual associated with Morlu.
“We had an issue with an officer who was assaulted. His weapon was confiscated from him by a known individual and was later seen with Chairman Morlu,” Coleman explained. “As such, we requested that it be turned over. He didn’t come in, so we went to Chairman Morlu’s residence with a writ of search and seizure.”
According to Coleman, the firearm was voluntarily surrendered when officers arrived.
“We didn’t even have to search. He turned the weapon over, and we asked him to come in to explain to us how he got it,” the police chief said.
Coleman emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing but described Morlu as cooperative and not a flight risk.
“That investigation is ongoing at this point in time, but he has been extremely cooperative, and we’re just following the law as it is. There’s absolutely nothing for anyone to worry about,” Coleman said.
The Inspector General characterized the matter as a routine law enforcement investigation and commended both protesters and ordinary citizens for exercising restraint during Friday’s demonstration.
“I was really thankful and appreciative of all those who exercised patience and restraint, even though they were inconvenienced, as some Liberians rightfully and constitutionally exercised their grievances through the protest,” he said.
Coleman reaffirmed the police’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
“People can peacefully assemble. People can peacefully protest. The police are here. It’s the people’s police, and we will always provide protection,” he said.
“But when we assess a situation and see a threat against the lives of even those who are protesting, we are duty-bound to take immediate action to ensure that they are protected.”
While investigators are expected to continue questioning Morlu as part of the inquiry, Coleman indicated that the STAND chairman is not viewed as a security threat.
“Mr. Morlu is not someone who poses a risk. He has always been in this country,” Coleman said. “If investigators are satisfied and see reason to allow him to be guaranteed by his lawyer, then definitely he will be.”
Morlu’s release comes hours after police surrounded his residence and brought him in for questioning over the firearm, an incident that drew significant public attention amid the aftermath of the July 17 protest in Monrovia.
