Published: August 5, 2024
MONROVIA — Police Inspector General Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman has condemned the “senseless” and “unnecessary” discharge of an illegal firearm by an officer of the Liberia National Police, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man in Brewerville.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at LNP headquarters in Monrovia, IG Coleman expressed regret over the incident and disclosed that the perpetrator, Inspector David S. Fayiah, has been arrested and detained pending a police investigation.
He explained that the tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, August 3, 2024, at the Banjor Gas Station in Brewerville. The victim, Manoba Mohammed, was shot by Inspector Fayiah following a brief verbal exchange.
Inspector Fayiah, who is not authorized to carry a firearm, illegally possessed and used the weapon against a civilian who was attempting to escape. IG Coleman questioned how Inspector Fayiah obtained the weapon and emphasized that the incident did not occur during the delivery of law enforcement services.
“This officer is not a firearm carrier in the Liberia National Police, and this incident did not occur as a result of law enforcement duties. Inspector Fayiah was off duty when he encountered the victim. After a verbal exchange, he drove off, turned around, and shot the fleeing victim in the back,” IG Coleman stated.
Following the shooting, Inspector Fayiah fled, but the police quickly launched a search operation, apprehended him, confiscated the weapon, and detained him. IG Coleman noted that the weapon is illegal and not registered with the government, prompting a broader investigation into how it entered the country.
He highlighted that in recent years, numerous illegal weapons have entered Liberia without the police’s knowledge. The LNP remains determined to track down these weapons, investigate their illegal entry, and address the situation regardless of those involved.
IG Coleman confirmed that the victim, Mohammed, died from a bullet wound sustained while running from the police officer. “We have just established the cause of death, which has been clearly indicated as a bullet wound,” he said.
Assuring the public of an impartial and swift investigation, Col. Coleman distanced the LNP from Inspector Fayiah’s actions and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to upholding professional standards in protecting life and property.
He also warned of potential protests planned by certain individuals in Monrovia and issued a stern warning against any unlawful demonstrations that might infringe on the rights of other citizens. While not naming specific individuals, Col. Coleman assured that the police would fully protect peaceful protesters.
“Among those claiming to protest peacefully, some have different intentions to destabilize the peace,” he stated. However, he emphasized that the police would not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the country’s peace and stability.
He urged those planning to protest to do so within the confines of the law and assured them of the police’s maximum support.
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