Published: March 3, 2025
PAYNESVILLE – A medical report from ELWA Hospital in Paynesville has confirmed that the partial-thickness thermal burns sustained by Momo David—who was allegedly tortured by a Chinese national identified as Michael Shio—were caused by fire.
Shio, along with security guards Emmanuel Nyumah, Andrew Barmoh, and Sunday Sumo, has 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, apprehended 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, allegations have surfaced that Shio was released from Monrovia Central Prison just minutes after being remanded, reportedly on the orders 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 attack on David.
Medical Report Findings
Amid growing public attention on the case, ELWA Hospital has released its medical report on David’s condition.
A copy of the report, obtained by The Liberian Investigator, was issued in response to a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum received by the hospital on February 19, 2025.
“The medical report for Mr. Momo David was requested with the following details: the number of days he was hospitalized, the nature of his injuries, and their cause,” the hospital stated.
According to the report, David was admitted on January 17, 2025, with partial-thickness burns covering approximately 23% of his body.
“The burns appeared to be caused by fire, and the history and physical examination suggest they occurred approximately 24 hours before his arrival,” the report noted.
The injuries, primarily of partial thickness, affected David’s face, neck, upper limbs, and torso.
The report, issued under the authority of Juvenal Musavuli Maghuta, Consultant Surgeon in the Department of General Surgery, further detailed that David was admitted at 11:41 PM on January 17, 2025. Medical intervention—including tetanus antitoxin, fluid resuscitation, and pain management—began immediately.
“The patient underwent regular wound dressing procedures in the operating room and received medication to prevent infection throughout his hospitalization,” the report added.
David was discharged on February 1, 2025, after 14 days in the hospital.
“The patient showed good healing at discharge,” the hospital stated. “The long-term impact of these burns will be evaluated in the coming months to determine whether any complications are permanent or temporary.”
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