Liberia: Motorcyclists Condemn Alleged Police Shooting of Colleague as LNP Denies Fatality, Warns Against Mob Violence  - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – Motorcyclists in the Chicken Soup Factory community in Gardnerville have condemned the actions of a police officer accused of shooting a commercial motorcyclist during a tense security intervention, while the Liberia National Police has denied reports circulating on social media that the victim died from the incident. 

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The incident, which sparked outrage among residents and commercial riders on Thursday, occurred after police officers responded to a disturbance involving a suspected armed robbery suspect who had allegedly sought refuge in a nearby residence. 

According to eyewitness accounts, a middle-aged man, allegedly known in the area for motorbike theft, was chased by residents and later sought refuge in a house within the Chicken Soup Factory community. Witnesses said police officers arrived on the scene to take the suspect into custody, but tensions escalated when members of the crowd attempted to remove the suspect’s slippers.

At that point, a police officer identified only as “OPS-4” allegedly warned the crowd to back away or risk being shot.

Speaking to reporters, Obadiah Gbuoa, a motorcyclist who claimed to have witnessed the incident, questioned the professionalism of the officer involved and called for disciplinary action.

“For the shooting he did, I don’t think he was actually trained. He is not a very trained police officer to carry a weapon,” Gbuoa said. “We were on the scene. There was no harassment, no violence, and no tension. Those guys only took the slippers from the guy’s feet. And he starts warning, ‘I will shoot, I will shoot.’ Then he pointed the gun at the ground.”

Gbuoa alleged that the officer fired two shots — one into the air and another that struck a motorcyclist.

“My recommendation is that he should be investigated and should never carry arm again. He could have killed that innocent boy,” he added.

Eyewitnesses further alleged that one officer fled the scene after realizing his colleague had shot the motorcyclist. The injured victim was reportedly taken to several hospitals in Paynesville but was allegedly turned away before eventually being transported to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the victim is responding to treatment.

“He is not a violent person. He rides his bike to take care of his family — his daughter, partner, and mother,” the relative said, while expressing hope that the police would investigate and appropriately punish the officer involved.

Another eyewitness alleged that the officer accused of the shooting has a history of harassing commercial motorcyclists in the Gardnerville area.

According to the witness, the officer would allegedly seize motorbikes and demand money from riders before releasing them.

“If a cyclist fails to pay, he would take their motorbike,” the witness claimed, while calling for a full investigation and legal action against the officer.

However, when contacted by FrontPage Africa, Police Spokesperson Sam Collins said there had been no formal complaint filed against any officer regarding motorbike theft or harassment of motorcyclists.

Collins encouraged anyone who believes they are being harassed by police officers to formally report such incidents so authorities can investigate and provide redress.

LNP Denies Fatality, Warns Against Mob Violence

Meanwhile, in an official statement issued through its Press and Public Affairs Division, the Liberia National Police denied reports that anyone had been killed during the incident.

“Contrary to claims being disseminated online, no person was shot and killed during the incident,” the LNP stated.

According to the police, officers responded after receiving information that an angry crowd had allegedly surrounded and attempted to burn down a residence where a suspected armed robbery suspect had fled for safety.

“Preliminary findings establish that police officers responded after receiving information that a group of residents had allegedly surrounded and attempted to set ablaze a residence into which a suspected armed robbery suspect had reportedly fled for safety,” the statement said.

“Police intervention was therefore initiated to prevent a potentially fatal act of mob violence, restore order, and secure all persons involved for lawful investigation and due process.”

The police confirmed that one individual sustained a gunshot injury during the operation, but said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under active investigation.

“The injured person was immediately transported for medical attention and is currently undergoing treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center,” the LNP added.

The police said every firearm discharge involving officers is treated seriously and reviewed under established operational and accountability procedures.

The LNP also cautioned the public against acts of vigilantism and mob justice, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and place innocent lives at risk.

“All persons accused or suspected of criminal conduct remain entitled to due process under the laws of the Republic of Liberia,” the statement noted.

The Liberia National Police said it remains committed to maintaining public safety, protecting lives and property, and enforcing the law “with professionalism, restraint, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons.”