Monrovia — The Supreme Motorcycle Transport Union of Liberia (SUMTUL Inc.) has issued a grave statement expressing deep concerns for the safety of its members following what they describe as threatening remarks made by Inspector General of Police Mr. Gregory O. W. Coleman and his Deputy Director for Operations, Cllr. J. Nelson Freeman.
The threats reportedly occurred on March 17, 2025, during a gathering of motorcyclists at the Temple of Justice, where riders were attending the first hearing of their case. According to SUMTUL, Inspector General Coleman directed aggressive and alarming comments towards the motorcyclists, expressing frustration over their ongoing protests against movement restrictions.
“You need to stop what you are doing… this ban is for your own good, the number one killer of Liberian citizens is not poverty or sickness, but motorcyclists,” Coleman reportedly said. He continued, “I have said this time without numbers that I am in charge of this state… your continued challenge of my authority will not be tolerated… I will do anything and everything humanly possible to stop you guys from entering the main streets of Monrovia and Paynesville City.”
SUMTUL claimed that Coleman further suggested motorcyclists should be grateful for the restrictions, citing the example of major African capitals where motorcycles are banned from key streets. Coleman also reportedly said the legislature, including Senator Darius Dillon, supported the restrictions.
In addition to Coleman’s remarks, Deputy Director Freeman allegedly made further threats, warning motorcyclists of dire consequences if they continued to defy the regulations. “You will start burying… get ready to bury more cyclists,” Freeman reportedly said. He also warned riders to be cautious, citing injuries and fatalities among their peers resulting from confrontations with the police.
In response, SUMTUL expressed alarm at the escalation of threats and harassment directed at over 250,000 motorcycle and Keke riders in Liberia. The union condemned the remarks as a dangerous step towards increasing violence and intimidation against riders who, according to SUMTUL, are simply trying to earn a legitimate living and support their families.
Mr. George G. Williams Sr., Vice President for Riders’ Welfare at SUMTUL, urged motorcyclists to avoid confrontations with police officers and to stay clear of “No-Go Zones.” The union also advised members to avoid handing over their motorcycles to unmasked or unidentifiable police officers and to always inform friends or family of their whereabouts to ensure safety.
“The riders are no longer safe under the leadership of Mr. Coleman. We are deeply concerned about our safety and the growing violence against us,” Williams stated. He concluded by urging all motorcyclists to remain vigilant and follow the union’s safety guidelines to protect themselves from potential harm.
Meanwhile, Cllr. J. Nelson Freeman’s office has responded to allegations made by Mulbah K. Morlu regarding a Facebook post in which Morlu claimed Freeman threatened to “hit and kill bike riders.” Freeman’s office denied these claims, calling them unfounded and part of an ongoing effort by Morlu to restore his damaged reputation. The Liberia National Police (LNP) clarified that their role is to enforce the regulations in restricted zones without resorting to violence.
“The regulations governing the restricted zone will remain in effect, but there is no intention to harm or kill any motorcyclists violating these rules,” Freeman’s office stated. They further pointed out that over sixteen motorbikes had recently been returned to their owners, as part of the LNP’s efforts to balance enforcement with fairness.
Freeman’s office also cautioned the public about individuals who may exploit the situation to rehabilitate their reputations by spreading false information. “Cllr. J. Nelson Freeman is a distinguished law enforcement professional with over seventeen years of service in trusted roles within the Liberia National Police and would never make such reckless statements attributed to him,” the statement read.
The LNP emphasized that they are committed to enforcing the regulations designed to protect both motorcyclists and the public, urging riders to comply with the restrictions in place.
