MONROVIA – The Liberian National Police (LNP) has arrested Vivian Dent, the alleged abuser of victim Naomi Seakel, who was brutally beaten in Yekepa, Nimba County.
“We invited you for the arrest of suspect Vivian Dent, who is said to have allegedly assaulted another Liberian female, Naomi Seakel, in Yekepa, Nimba County. A video of the incident went viral on social media, raising concerns among many Liberians about the Liberia National Police’s response to this issue. Therefore, we deemed it expedient to arrest suspect Dent, who has been brought from Nimba County to Monrovia for investigation. She was brought in this morning and will be thoroughly investigated, charged on the basis of probable cause, and forwarded to court,” said the Director of Public Affairs at the Liberia National Police, Moses Carter.
By: Mae Azango, [email protected]
Carter emphasized that this action is necessary to deter any recurrence of such an ugly situation. He reiterated that Liberians are known for being peaceful and decent people, and any behavior that tarnishes the image of the country will be met with police action.
“To all those concerned about the video that went viral on social media, rest assured that justice will be served. Suspect Dent and anyone else connected to the harassment and abuse of that Liberian female will face the full weight of the law,” he added.
Carter further stressed that the current administration, under the leadership of Col. Patrick Sudue, takes any action meant to demean or undermine the rule of law very seriously. Anyone caught engaging in such abusive acts, especially if it is posted on social media, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“To all concerned citizens, we assure you that this investigation will reach a logical conclusion, and the law will certainly take its course,” he assured.
The disturbing video of Naomi Seakel, who was stripped half-naked and brutalized by Vivian Dent, spread rapidly on Facebook, prompting a public outcry demanding justice for Naomi.
According to reports, Vivian Dent is an ex-lover of Mr. Stephen Jajah, who works for Arcelor Mittal. The video showed Vivian attacking Naomi and claiming that Naomi was cooking in her married home. In response, Stephen Jajah referred to Vivian as a “loser” and thanked her for the video.
However, Vivian, under the pen name Vico Vico, denied posting the video, even though she had bragged in the video about keeping viewers on Facebook engaged until they got tired. She stated, “I agreed I’m a loser, but I never posted that video. I don’t really know who did that posting.”
Numerous individuals, including Lisa Tenneh Diasay, CEO of Women TV, and Carlton Boah, Publisher of In Profile Newspaper, have publicly called for justice for Naomi.
Lisa Tenneh Diasay commented, “Naomi would have been killed in the process of Vivian stripping her half-naked and brutalizing her. There is nothing funny in the video; Vivian premeditated that crime. I am told Stephen and Vivian aren’t lovers anymore. Justice for Naomi.”
The video showed Vivian pulling out a pair of scissors from her trousers while beating Naomi, who desperately fought to get the weapon out of her grip. Carlton Boah, Publisher of In Profile Daily, described Vivian’s actions as premeditated and demanded justice for Naomi.
“Justice must be served; Naomi didn’t deserve that; even if Vivian Dent was legally married to Stephen Jajah. Her confrontation should have been with him rather than transferring her aggression,” said Boah.
Mr. Tamba Johnson, HeForShe National Coordinator, also condemned Vivian Dent’s act and demanded justice for Naomi.
“No one has the right to physically abuse and dehumanize another person, irrespective of affront or dissatisfaction. Liberia is a country of law; therefore, the judiciary is the right place to seek justice. The public dehumanization of Naomi by Vivian Dent is wrong, and He For She Crusaders Liberia condemns this act and seeks justice. Let justice be done. We are watching the outcome. #JusticeForNaomi,” said Johnson.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has also expressed its condemnation of the brutality endured by Naomi. LNP Spokesman Moses Carter informed that his office has contacted the Women and Children section of the LNP in Yekepa to arrest Ms. Vivian Dent, and the public will be informed once the arrest is made.