Published: July 26, 2025
KAKATA, Margibi County — Police in Kakata have launched an investigation into the alleged suicide of a 27-year-old woman, Mariama Shaka, whose body was discovered early Saturday morning, July 26, 2025, in the Madina Two Community.
According to the Liberia National Police Crime Services Division, the incident was reported around 7:30 a.m. by community resident Prince Okon, who claimed he and other community members found Shaka’s lifeless body hanging inside her bedroom.
A team of criminal investigators was immediately dispatched to the scene. Preliminary police findings revealed that the victim was found lying face-up with a lapper tied around her neck, positioned under a wall-mounted clothes rack, and partially covered with clothing over her head.
During the on-site investigation, officers received a tip suggesting that Shaka and her husband, Bilal Shaka, had a heated argument the previous evening, Friday, July 25, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Police later brought Bilal Shaka in for questioning. He confirmed the dispute, saying that his wife had locked them both in their bedroom during the argument. He said the conflict was eventually resolved with the intervention of neighbors identified as Ma Martha Vanleh and another woman only identified as Babygirl.
Bilal told police he later left for his workplace, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Clinic, where he spent the night to avoid further issues. On the morning of July 26, he said he contacted a housemate, Baby Sulonthe, to inquire about Mariama. She reportedly told him she had not seen his wife that morning.
Upon returning home, Bilal said he found the bedroom door closed, entered, and discovered Mariama’s body. He alerted neighbors and called his mother, Mabel Shaka, who then informed the victim’s family in Weala.
A 15-member coroner jury was assembled and, after examining the body, concluded there was no foul play and ruled the death a suicide by hanging.
Despite the preliminary ruling, police say they are continuing the investigation and are verifying Bilal Shaka’s whereabouts during the night in question. Statements are also being gathered from other house occupants.
Family sources told The Liberian Investigator that Mariama and her husband had a troubled relationship for more than four years, with multiple failed attempts by both families to mediate a peaceful separation.
“For over four years, these people were always in confusion,” said an uncle of the deceased, who requested anonymity. “We tried to intervene so they could part ways peacefully, but it never worked.”
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