MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Today at the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) in Sinkor, family members and loved ones of Prince Wreyou, a young man who tragically lost his life at the Salem Police Depot on the Airfield, gathered to demand justice. The lifeless body of Prince Wreyou, a resident of 18th Street Sinkor believed to be in his mid-twenties, was discovered hanging in a cell alongside five other inmates.
Wreyou’s arrest and subsequent detention at the Salem Police Depot came after an unnamed lawyer accused him of fleeing with Two Hundred United States dollars intended for vehicle repairs. He was reportedly apprehended at an entertainment venue on 11th Street Sinkor before being brought to the police station.
Preliminary investigations by the police have indicated that the five other inmates claimed they were asleep and discovered Wreyou’s lifeless body upon waking up. Police spokesman Moses Carter confirmed the incident, stating that the Liberia National Police (LNP) is actively conducting investigations. An official press statement regarding the incident is expected to be released soon.
This tragic incident has drawn parallels to a similar case from April 2023 involving Mohammed Diallo, who also died in police custody at the same Salem Depot. Diallo’s family had demanded answers from the Liberia National Police regarding his sudden and untimely death. Diallo had been detained for over three years for allegedly owing a colleague LD430 (US $6). His death was reportedly caused by the Commander of the Salem Depot, Harry Bai, who allegedly pepper sprayed the cell, causing three inmates to faint and ultimately resulting in Diallo’s death.
The recent death of Prince Wreyou has reignited concerns about the treatment of detainees and the conditions within Salem Police Depot. Family members and human rights activists are calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into both incidents to ensure justice for the deceased and their families.
As the investigations into Prince Wreyou’s death continue, the family remains hopeful that the truth will be uncovered and those responsible will be held accountable. The protests led by Wreyou’s family underscore the urgent need for reforms within the police force and the justice system to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
