-AFL Bobby Manndeh died like EPS Melvin Earley

By Jerromie S. Walters

In a statement issued February 19, 2021, the Executive Protection Service (EPS) announced the sudden death of one of its agents, Melvin Earley who according to preliminary reports allegedly shot himself at about 06:03 am on Friday, February 19, 2021, in Tappita, Nimba County.

Three years later, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) In a statement dated Saturday, June 1, 2024, informed the public that on 30 May 2024, at approximately 10:45 PM, Sergeant Bobby Manndeh allegedly shot and killed himself while serving guard duty at the EBK Barracks in Schiefflin, Lower Margibi County.

Like Sergeant Bobby Manndeh who allegedly shot and killed himself while serving guard duty at the EBK Barracks in Schiefflin, Lower Margibi County, the EPS 2021 release said agent Melvin Earley was on duty during the time of the incident.

This has stirred controversies and mixed reactions as scores of Liberians have questioned the possibility of a trained AFL personnel shooting himself multiple times in the head. Also, the Armed Forces of Liberia also acknowledges that Sergeant Manneh was a disciplined, professional, loyal, and dedicated soldier who served with due diligence since his enlistment into the AFL.

Liberians’ doubts have also been backed by the fact that Sergeant Bobby Manndeh was one of those who allegedly influenced the heated protest by wives of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) that led to the forceful resignation of retired Major General Prince C. Johnson as Defense Minister-designate after he was earlier appointed by President Joseph Nyum Boakai.

In early February, a series of protests were held by a group of women believed to be wives of personnel from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The women, in their actions, called for the removal of retired AFL Chief of Staff Prince C Johnson, following his appointment as Defense Minister by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. 

Before Mr. Johnson was confirmed, the women petitioned the Senate, craving its indulgence not to confirm Mr. Johnson, because he had been involved with some unorthodox acts at the level of the army, including embezzlement of funds intended for the soldiers.  On Monday, February 12, 2024, the women heightened their protest, as their presence was felt in Margibi and Montserrado counties. The protestations also led to the cancellation of the formal celebration of the Armed Forces Day.

As disclosed by an  Executive Mansion‘s Monday, February 12, 2024, release,  President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., received and accepted a letter of resignation from Mr. Prince C. Johnson. The release noted: “In his letter, the Minister of National Defense outlined his reasons for his action noting that due to the current political and civil disturbances occasioned by the protest of women believed to be wives of servicemen, he has made the decision to resign and preserve the peace and security of the State.  The President expressed gratitude to Minister Johnson for his invaluable service to the country and described him as a patriot.”

His resignation brought in the appointment of Brigadier General Geraldine George, as Acting Minister of National Defense (MoD), and later as Minister proper. Months later, he was appointed as NSA Boss. Howbeit, it has been alleged that Sergeant Bobby Manndeh may have been murdered under the instruction of retired Major General Prince C. Johnson, due to his involvement in influencing the protest following an internal probe.

AFL announced Sergeant Bobby Manndeh’s death

The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) In a statement dated Saturday, June 1, 2024, informed the public that on 30 May 2024, at approximately 10:45 PM, Sergeant Bobby Manndeh allegedly shot and killed himself while serving guard duty at the EBK Barracks in Schiefflin, Lower Margibi County. The AFL says the Liberian National Police (LNP) was notified, and the LNP Homicide Division promptly arrived on the scene to investigate the incident. However, sources say the scene was tempered with prior to the police’s arrival.

Sergent Manndeh, Bobby was enlisted into the AFL in 2007 as an infantry soldier and his last assignment was with Alpha Company – First Battalion, 23rd Infantry Brigade. He served with the last batch (9th) of AFL Contingent in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali from September 2022 to December 2023.

The body is currently deposited at the 14 Military Hospital, while Military Police and the LNP Homicide Division are conducting further investigation into the incident.

A repeat of Weah’s days

Throughout the six years of ex-president George Weah, tens of protests were simultaneously held in Liberia, especially following the occurrence of a mysterious death or some kind of unimaginable violence. Many Liberians criticized Weah’s government for this as they believed much was not done to address the situation. 

However, things appear to be getting on the path as in the case of Weah, ranging from mysterious deaths, to hike in the price of major commodities, among others. In what came as a strive to address the lingering questions surrounding unresolved cases of mysterious deaths in Liberia, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman recently announced an investigation launched by the LNP. The investigation will capture the Odell Sherman, and Princess Cooper cases, the puzzling deaths of auditors, and more are all back under intense scrutiny.

“I’m pleased to announce to the public that the LNP has set up a whole Case e-file unit. And we’re opening all of those investigations that are still pending to be able to give some closure to the family and to give them justice as the soon required,” Coleman told journalists during a press conference over the weekend.

Over the last six years, Liberians witnessed the mysterious deaths of John Hilary Tubman, son of former President Tubman; Rev. William R. Tolbert III, son of former President Tolbert, Matthew Innis of the Central Bank, Kollie qqBallah, driver at Central Bank, Maude Elliot of the Immigration Service, Emmanuel Barten Nyesuah head of the Internal Audit Agency, Gifty Asmah Lama auditor of the LRA, Albert Peters auditor of the LRA, George Fanbutu auditor of the LRA and Alexander Yeahnur in River Gee.

Among others are: Eliza Robert in Maryland, Madam Hawa in Cape Mount, Mulbah Kunyon in Cape Mount, Afoa Williams D#9 Montserrado; county, Ma Nowai in Johnsonville, Siafa, St. Moses employees, Robert Blamo Jr  St. Moses employee, Blama of the St. Moses employee, Odell Sherman, Princess Cooper of Island Clinic, Charlotte Musu, niece of Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, Sabah Harmon, and Melvin Earley, EPS officer who was killed in Tappita.

The public has long been intrigued by these cases from the previous administration, raising concerns about justice and closure for the families of the victims. With new leadership at the LNP, Inspector General Coleman has seen the need to revisit the different cases to provide answers and ensure justice is served.

As the LNP proceed with these cases, Coleman pleaded with the public for collaboration. “Individuals with information on cases believed to have been inadequately investigated are urged to come forward.” However, much has not been said about this investigation.

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