5 fake police officers arrested for impersonation, extortion in Red Light

Published: May 19, 2025

TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, MONROVIA – Police in Paynesville have arrested five men for allegedly impersonating police officers and extorting money from motorists in the bustling Red Light commercial district.

The suspects—identified as Cornelius Deacon Neville, Peter J. Johnson, Moses Kolako, Peter A. Kollie Jr., and Abraham Saah—were caught in the act on Saturday, May 10, 2025, wearing police paraphernalia and conducting unauthorized traffic operations, according to a charge sheet released by the Liberia National Police.

Investigators say the suspects posed as members of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Ministry of Justice, using forged and expired ID cards to legitimize their illegal operations. Police later recovered fake identification materials, including a forged LNP badge numbered LNP-4546, carried by Neville, and an expired Ministry of Justice ID belonging to Kollie.

“These individuals knowingly, purposely, and criminally impersonated security officers and engaged in active policing functions,” the police stated. “They were extorting money from drivers under the pretense of enforcing traffic laws.”

All five were arrested by officers from the Criminal Services Division and advised of their constitutional rights, which they waived before being formally charged with Impersonating Officials and, in some cases, Forgery of Identification Cards.

According to the Liberia National Police, the following charges were filed:

• Cornelius Deacon Neville and Peter A. Kollie Jr. were charged with Impersonating Officials (Chapter 12, Subchapter B, Section 12.35 of the Penal Code) and Forgery (Chapter 15, Subchapter E, Section 15.70).
• Peter J. Johnson, Moses Kolako, and Abraham Saah were charged with Impersonating Officials only.

Police confirmed that the men were dressed in what appeared to be official police uniforms at the time of their arrest and were seen directing traffic and soliciting payments from commercial drivers—actions that led to several complaints and prompted the operation that exposed the scheme.

Authorities said the impersonation ring may involve additional individuals. “Others yet to be identified will be charged in absentia as the investigation continues,” police noted.

Four of the suspects were released on bail after a legal representative filed a bond, while one remains in custody pending trial.