MONROVIA — Sekou V. Sheriff, the popular talk show host and Chief Executive Officer of the Voice of Liberia radio station, has called for an immediate investigation following the discovery of a firearm reportedly placed on the premises of his station by the “order” of an agent from the Executive Protection Service (EPS).
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at his VOL office in Monrovia, Mr. Sheriff identified the individual in question as Nanah Gyamfi, who was found in possession of the firearm.
Sheriff stated that Gyamfi alleged the weapon was provided to him by an official of the Liberian government, through its VIP security service, the EPS, with an unknown intent.
He further disclosed that the Liberia National Police apprehended the alleged perpetrator at the radio station during the morning hours of September 3, 2024.
During the press conference, Mr. Sheriff played an audio recording in which Gyamfi claimed that the firearm was given to him by his sister, who is an agent of the Executive Protection Service.
Sheriff, known for his critical stance on the Boakai-Koung administration, expressed concerns over the revelation by the alleged perpetrator that the Voice of Liberia radio station is on the “radar” of the Unity Party regime.
“This troubling revelation has led us to believe that there may be an underlying threat to the safety and security of our institution and its members,” Sheriff said.
He also referenced a recent report by the Liberia National Police advising that anyone in possession of a firearm must report it. Sheriff warned that Gyamfi’s failure to disclose the firearm could have sparked a search and seizure operation, potentially leading to the discovery of the firearm on the station’s premises and the wrongful arrest of him and his staff on false charges.
Sheriff expressed fears for his safety and that of his staff, especially given the critical position of the radio station, which frequently highlights poor governance, lack of innovation, and injustice in the country.
Sheriff emphasized the need for the Ministry of Justice to launch an immediate full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nanah’s possession of the firearm, the reported involvement of his sister, and the implications for the radio station.
“It is imperative that we understand the context of these claims to safeguard our staff and operations, as well as to maintain public trust in our institution,” he noted.
Despite the current situation, the VOL Chief Executive Officer vowed to continue holding the Unity Party government accountable, stressing that any attempts by the government, through the LNP, to silence him will not succeed.
“If you give me the opportunity a hundred times, I will be critical a hundred times, and I will remain critical of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his Unity Party regime if he continues to give us reasons to believe that he came to the presidency unprepared,” Sheriff stated.
He also revealed that he has formally written to the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, as well as civil society organizations (CSOs), the United States, French, and Chinese Embassies near Monrovia, the European Union, and the Press Union of Liberia, among others, to raise awareness about the matter.
Meanwhile, shortly after the journalist’s press conference, the Liberia National Police confirmed the arrest of the same individual, a 28-year-old journalist, for the illegal possession of a firearm.
In a press statement issued by the LNP spokesperson, Madam Cecelia Clarke, Gyamfi was arrested on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Kwatekeh Radio Station, located on the Capital By-pass in Monrovia, following a tip-off.
According to the police, the firearm was discovered in Gyamfi’s bag at Kwatekeh Radio Station, where he had been employed for barely two weeks.
“In his statement, Mr. Gyamfi claimed that he obtained the firearm from an unidentified man in the Johnsonville community, where he resides. He stated that he carries the gun for his protection while commuting to work,” the release quoted.
The suspect is currently in custody at the LNP headquarters, undergoing investigation.
The LNP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and emphasized that it will continue to enforce the laws of Liberia without fear or favor.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.
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