-As he reopens investigation in mysterious deaths under Weah’s administration
By Jerromie S. Walters
In what that comes as a strive to address the lingering questions surrounding unresolved cases of mysterious deaths in Liberia, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman recently announced a 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 Ballah, 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, Charloe 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.”
The deaths and Weah’s silence
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. Though most of the deaths were probed, there was still dissatisfaction as some believed that the investigations weren’t impartial.
Following former president George Weah’s 6th State of the National address in January 2023, the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (LICHRD) expressed dismay over what they termed Weah’s failure to adequately address the surmounting challenges of insecurity about alleged secret killings and disappearances of locals in the country in his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a release dated February 3, 2023, the Coalition referenced the two-year-old boy who was allegedly murdered by his uncle in Bomi County and also the man who went missing while seeking spiritual healing in Grand Bassa County, as well as the three missing boys who were allegedly contracted by St. Moses.
Howbeit, Police IG Coleman has disclosed the reopening of these cases. “We remain within our use of force continuum, but we will be aggressively engaging in the issue of crime.”
What Liberians think
Pundits believe that as Liberia stands at the cusp of change in law enforcement, as they believe that IG Gregory Coleman’s step resonates not only as a response to longstanding issues. “The public remains vigilant, anticipating updates on ongoing investigations and placing hope in the fulfillment of President Boakai’s vision for a safer and more just Liberia.”
Another Liberian noted: “Inspector General Coleman’s decision marks a pivotal moment in Liberia’s policing history, promising a future where justice prevails and the nation can move forward with renewed confidence in its law enforcement agencies.”
