Published: January 24, 2025
Monrovia – The Liberian National Police (LNP) has dismissed the team leader of its highway patrol assigned to the Kakata-Redlight highway, while two other officers of the team have been suspended for three and four months, respectively.
A senior official of the LNP, who disclosed the information under anonymity, revealed that the team was recalled following complaints of bribery, primarily targeting commercial drivers. These allegations were substantiated last weekend when an undisclosed amount of Liberian dollars, concealed in a black plastic bag, was dumped on the floor by the Police Inspector General, sparking mixed public reactions.
Recently, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman apprehended some highway patrol officers for extorting money, blatantly disregarding their primary duty of ensuring road safety and strict compliance with Liberia’s vehicle and traffic laws.
In December 2024, Inspector General Coleman responded to a Facebook post highlighting how the highway patrol team was extorting money from drivers, a situation that, according to him, had drawn numerous complaints. He assured the public of an imminent investigation, which culminated in his unannounced visit to the highway.
“Well noted, we are looking into numerous complaints of similar nature and remain committed to improving our service delivery,” Coleman stated in his response to the post.
Last Friday evening, Coleman confirmed via his official social media account that, during his journey from Nimba, he witnessed some highway patrol officers allegedly extorting money from drivers. He emphasized that these officers would face an investigation by the Professional Standards Division of the police, as combating bribery remains a top priority for his administration.
“This afternoon, while on my way from Nimba, I saw something really concerning. Some highway patrol officers were bothering drivers and taking bribes. This is a clear sign of the key issues we need to tackle to maintain our standards,” Coleman noted.
Despite these challenges, the Inspector General reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring public trust in the police force.
“We are committed to restoring public trust and ensuring that every officer serves with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law,” he stated.
Coleman further confirmed that the three implicated officers had been subjected to disciplinary action. The team leader was dismissed, while the other two officers received suspensions of three and four months, respectively, after an investigation by the Professional Standards Division found them guilty of bribery.
“The team lead of the Highway Patrol Vehicle has been dismissed, and the others suspended for three and four months, respectively,” Coleman disclosed.
The Liberian Investigator has observed the absence of the highway patrol team on the Redlight-Kakata highway since their encounter with the Inspector General.
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