MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) on Friday, November 14, 2025, sent 12 individuals to court in connection with the violent unrest that erupted at Red Light, Paynesville, a day earlier. The arrested suspects are Abraham Jalloh, Iman Abu Kamara, Osman Troure, Sekou S. Kamara, Alpha Kamara, Mohammed Kromah, Hassan Kamara, Prince Robert, Mohammed Diakateh, Mohammed A. Kamara, Ousumane Kamara, and James Fallah.
The disturbance occurred on Thursday morning, November 13, during an attempt to enforce a court-ordered eviction in the Parker Paint community. The operation, carried out by LNP officers alongside a sheriff from Civil Law Court “B,” aimed to remove occupants of a property allegedly linked to one Keita, who claims ownership of several stores and a mosque within the disputed site.
Eyewitnesses reported that the eviction quickly escalated into violence as some occupants resisted, throwing stones and petrol bombs at police officers. Others brandished cutlasses in a desperate effort to prevent their removal. The confrontation rapidly drew in bystanders, some of whom retaliated against the resisting occupants, intensifying the chaos and causing panic among residents.
The violence left one Court Officer injured and forced nearby business owners and residents to flee the area as smoke and tear gas filled the air. One store on the property was set ablaze, but the Liberia National Fire Service intervened promptly, preventing the fire from spreading further.
Police reinforcements eventually restored order after deploying tear gas and arresting several individuals suspected of instigating the violence. The LNP described the arrests as part of the government’s commitment to curbing violent resistance during court-ordered evictions.
According to LNP officials, the incident underscores the challenges of enforcing legal decisions in densely populated commercial areas, where tensions can escalate rapidly and endanger public safety. “We are determined to uphold the law while protecting citizens and property during such operations,” a senior police official said.
Residents of the Red Light area described the scene as chaotic, with smoke, screaming, and clashes between police, occupants, and bystanders. Many expressed concern over the safety of families and businesses during similar eviction operations in the future.
The Red Light unrest is part of a series of tensions in Paynesville surrounding disputed property ownership and the enforcement of eviction orders. Legal experts have stressed the importance of adhering strictly to judicial processes to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
LNP Authorities have called for calm while investigations continue into the events surrounding the eviction. Those arrested will face legal proceedings as the police and courts work to ensure accountability for acts of violence and property destruction.
The LNP has reiterated its warning that violent resistance to lawful court actions will not be tolerated and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement during legal processes to safeguard lives and property.
