Published: February 19, 2025
Monrovia – A group of concerned citizens is demanding that the Liberia National Police (LNP) ensure that Chinese national Michael Shio and his security guards—Emmanuel Nyumah, Andrew Barmoh, and Sunday Sumo—face justice for allegedly torturing Momo David.
Shio and his security guards have been accused of assaulting David on January 13, 2025, in Congo Town. According to police investigations, the security guards, who work for Pilot Security Guard Service, arrested David after accusing him of attempting to steal a solar panel from Shio’s residence.
Reports indicate that David was forcibly restrained in a bathroom and subjected to inhumane treatment.
However, it has been alleged that Shio was released from the Monrovia Central Prison just minutes after being remanded, reportedly on the order of Associate Justice Yamie Q. Gbeisay.
Shio faces multiple charges, including Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Felonious Restraint. He was initially committed to prison following his alleged involvement in the brutal assault on David.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Monrovia, Alpha G. Gray, spokesperson for the concerned citizens, called on the LNP to take immediate action, emphasizing that Michael Shio must be brought to justice.
“On that fateful morning, Momo David was not merely a victim; he was a human being who found himself hunted by individuals who, instead of protecting him, chose to inflict unspeakable pain,” Gray stated.
Gray stressed that the silence of Police Inspector-General Gregory Coleman and the judicial system is deeply concerning and poses a threat to the fundamental rights of Liberian citizens.
The group noted that the crime was allegedly committed within the residence of the accused, Michael Shio, expressing deep concern that an environment meant to ensure safety turned into a scene of horror for a fellow citizen.
“We implore the government to prioritize this issue and ensure that justice is served for Momo David and his family. The details of this attack are too grievous to ignore. It is important that we, as a united front, demand accountability and justice,” Gray asserted.
He further disclosed that David was allegedly chased down, restrained, and tortured with hot oil—an act he described as barbaric, demonstrating a dangerous sense of impunity among those involved.
The spokesperson also revealed that Shio’s current whereabouts remain unknown, raising concerns over the potential obstruction of justice.
According to Gray, the mistreatment of a Liberian citizen is a clear violation of human rights, emphasizing that the gravity of the matter should serve as a wake-up call to national leaders and citizens alike.
“As citizens of Liberia, we cannot afford to be complacent,” he stated. “The arrest of Shio and his accomplices on February 9, 2025, by Officer CIP Jerry K.M. Wymah presents an opportunity for President Joseph Boakai’s administration to respond decisively and firmly.”
Gray also described as troubling the reports regarding the unknown whereabouts of Shio and his alleged accomplices. “If this is true, we will send a message to the world that Liberia is a vulnerable state—a place where foreign nationals can inflict violence on our citizens without fear of punishment.”
He called on Inspector-General Coleman to break his silence on the matter, adding that the absence of police leadership in addressing the issue is alarming.
Gray warned that failure to take swift action would embolden criminals and place all Liberians at risk, drawing parallels to other cases of violence in the country’s recent history.
“No one should feel that they can commit violence without repercussions, regardless of their nationality, status, or connections to high-profile officials,” he emphasized.
The spokesperson reminded Liberians that this is not just Momo David’s pain—it is a shared sorrow that resonates across the nation.
He called for nationwide solidarity, urging citizens to stand up against violence and injustice, which he accused the current administration of neglecting.
Gray further stressed that the government must not shield the perpetrators while Momo David and his family suffer. He insisted that justice must prevail and that acts of violence should be met with swift and appropriate consequences.
He urged the government to ensure transparency and decisive action in the case, stating that Liberians deserve to know that their elected leaders are committed to protecting them.
“This case must become a rallying point, a moment of awakening for all Liberians,” Gray declared. “If we do not hold this administration accountable, we risk alienating our citizens and creating an environment ripe for further injustices and chaos.”
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