By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, June 9 (LINA) – Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman, has refuted claims that the Liberia National Police (LNP) is targeting opposition lawmakers in its charges levied against five members of the National Legislature, saying the LNP is professionally handling the case aimed at ending the culture of impunity in Liberia.
Speaking Monday, June 9, 2025, in Monrovia, on State radio, IG Coleman disclosed that he and his team professionally looked into the case with no intention of making it political, adding that at first, there were seven suspected lawmakers, but two were set free due to the lack of sufficient evidence to prove their involvement.
“I have zero political interference with this particular investigation,” IG Coleman said, adding that he was not instructed by anyone but has been working with a team of professional investigators of the police force.
He said it baffles him to hear some politicians terming the process as “political”, something he disclaimed to be true, stating that if it was political as they have claimed, the police would not have allowed two of the seven accused lawmakers to be set free. He called on every Liberian to give the process a chance.
The Police Inspector committed that there will be no room for impunity, noting that whether top officials or not, everyone must account for what he or she does, further mentioning that it is unfortunate not to hear the same politicians saying anything of such when ordinary citizens were charged and jailed.
Before coming to the position, the head of LNP said he intends to uphold the law, justice, and dignity of the country without attaching relevance to any facet of Liberian society.
He added: “If we continue to obstruct justice in this country, the country will not move forward; therefore.” He wants all Liberians to abstain from the obstruction of justice.
Commenting on threatening messages coming from some Liberians, he stated that they (the police) are not deterred as long as they are adequately discharging their functions, adding that “even if what they are doing to end impunity will cause them their jobs so be it.”
“So, we have no fear, our fear is not about losing a job. If I lose my job overdoing what is right, then so be it”, Coleman mentioned.
“If we all are desirous of seeing a change happening in this country, we all must bite the hard bullet, we should take the sacrifice, it doesn’t come easy,” he emphasized.
On June 6, 2025, the LNP investigated seven lawmakers who were considered as “person of interests” in connection with the burning of the Capitol – the seat of the National Legislature of Liberia.
On December 18, 2024, it can be recalled that the joint chamber of the capital was completely engulfed by fire. Investigation has, however, proven that the incident was an arson attack purportedly orchestrated by former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and some of his colleagues who are currently facing court charges.,
LINA KES/WSG/ATT
