Published: August 23, 2025
CONGO TOWN – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has disrobed two of its officers for allegedly looting during the court-ordered eviction of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters in Congo Town, an incident that has further heightened political and security tensions.
The decision followed the circulation of videos on social media showing uniformed officers allegedly carting away items from the CDC compound during the enforcement exercise. In the video, the two officers were seen making attempt to hide in their uniforms two brand new packs of wigs but immediately changed plan after they noticed that a camera was on them.
Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Nelson Freeman, confirmed the move, saying the officers have been turned over to the Professional Standards Division for investigation. “The Liberia National Police will not condone unprofessional behavior. Any officer found in violation of our code of conduct will face the full weight of the law,” Freeman told reporters at the scene of the eviction.
Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Nelson Freeman
The disciplinary action comes at a sensitive moment for the police, who have faced accusations from opposition figures of bias in the enforcement of the court’s order. Inspector General Gregory Coleman had earlier stressed that the LNP was acting impartially, ensuring that the mandate of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court was carried out “without fear or favor.”
Court Order Sparks Controversial Eviction
The eviction exercise was carried out by sheriffs backed by heavily armed police officers on Saturday morning. It marked the culmination of a protracted legal battle over ownership of the CDC headquarters property in Congo Town, which had been the nerve center of the party since its early years in opposition.
Demolition crews dismantled the compound, including the historic Sycamore Tree, which for nearly two decades served as the CDC’s symbolic meeting ground. Also demolished were the Munah E. Pelham Youngblood Vocational Centre and various administrative offices tied to the party.
For many CDC partisans who stood outside the compound, the destruction of the sycamore was a painful loss. The tree, they said, embodied the spirit of their struggle and political identity.
Arrests and Startling Discoveries
While the looting scandal involving police drew headlines, the eviction itself revealed further security concerns. Police confirmed the arrest of three individuals, including Joseph C. Wea, a former Commissioner of West Point Township.
Inside the compound, investigators uncovered a cache of alarming items: petro-bombs, live ammunition, a firearm, and two diplomatic passports. One of the passports reportedly carried the photograph of former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee, who currently serves as the party’s Secretary-General.
The discovery raised urgent questions about the security operations of the party’s headquarters. Police officials said the seized items are now part of an ongoing investigation.
CDC Reaction and Political Tension
In a statementa Friday, the eviction, the CDC condemned the eviction as an “invasion,” accusing the government of weaponizing the courts and state security against the opposition. The party said the eviction and demolition were politically motivated but called on its supporters to remain calm and avoid violence.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and will pursue justice through legal means,” the statement read.
A Damaging Blow to Credibility
For the Liberia National Police, the disrobing of two officers caught on camera looting may serve as a message of accountability, but it also highlights the broader challenge of public trust. The force, already navigating the sensitivities of enforcing a politically charged court order, now faces scrutiny for the conduct of its own members.
As investigations continue into both the officers’ actions and the items discovered at the CDC headquarters, the fallout from Saturday’s eviction is far from over. The demolition of the symbolic sycamore tree may have marked the end of an era for the CDC, but the arrests, weapons seizure, and police scandal have opened a new chapter in Liberia’s tense political narrative.
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