MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson T. Koijee, has launched a scathing attack on the Liberia National Police (LNP), accusing its leadership of corruption, political manipulation, and gross human rights violations. Koijee, in a statement on Monday, February 3, 2025, condemned the police’s handling of the recent Capitol Hill fire incident and called for an international investigation into Inspector General Gregory Coleman and his officers.
Koijee’s outrage was sparked by what he described as a doctored audio recording released by the LNP, allegedly implicating Etheridge Thomas in the Capitol fire. He labeled the move as an attempt to shift blame and fabricate evidence to serve a political agenda. “This level of misconduct is deeply concerning and further exposes the unprofessionalism and political bias within the police force under Gregory Coleman’s leadership,” Koijee stated.
The CDC official accused Coleman of turning the LNP into a tool for political persecution rather than a law enforcement agency dedicated to justice. He pointed to the reinstatement of officials such as Assistant Commissioner for Crime Services Johnny Bolar Dean and Deputy Chief Investigator Sam Ballah—both of whom were previously dismissed—as evidence that corruption has engulfed the force. “These individuals were removed from their positions for good reasons, yet they have been brought back to serve in key investigative roles. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of our security sector,” Koijee asserted.
His remarks follow an investigative report that, according to him, has documented 22 human rights violations under President Joseph Boakai’s administration between January 2024 and January 2025. He named multiple victims of alleged police brutality, including Bangalie Kamara, Essah Massaley, and James Kandy, all reportedly shot by the police at different times last year. He also referenced cases of individuals who suffered violent deaths, including 45-year-old “Yarmah,” whose body was found mutilated in Lofa County, and a 19-year-old suspect who was found dead inside a local police cell in Voinjama.
Koijee criticized the government’s failure to prosecute violent crimes, listing several cases where victims’ families are still awaiting justice. Among them, he highlighted the murder of businessman Hassan Jalloh, allegedly at the hands of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the death of 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who reportedly overdosed due to a medical error at St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital. “These crimes remain unresolved because the government chooses to protect the perpetrators rather than ensure justice for the victims,” he added.
Beyond the human rights violations, Koijee accused the police of actively covering up crimes and suppressing evidence. He alleged that state security operatives are directly involved in acts of violence but continue to escape accountability under the current administration. “The LNP is no longer an impartial institution. It is now controlled by those who wish to use the police as a weapon against political opponents,” he claimed.
Koijee also spoke about his personal experiences with what he called state-sponsored propaganda. He referenced six years of accusations leveled against him, which he said were politically motivated. He insisted that despite widespread claims against him, no formal investigation has ever found him guilty of any crime. “Not a single family has come forward with credible claims against me, yet those who have long vilified me now hold top positions in government,” he said.
Taking his criticism further, he questioned the government’s handling of the Gloria Musu Scott case, arguing that her exoneration and subsequent appointment in government prove that justice in Liberia is selective. He alleged that powerful figures are shielding individuals with political connections while abandoning victims who lack influence.
In his statement, Koijee made an urgent appeal to the international community, calling for external intervention to investigate the police and ensure accountability. “We need a full and transparent investigation into Gregory Coleman, particularly concerning the police’s involvement with the Capitol Building before it was gutted by fire. The Liberian people deserve to know the truth,” he urged.
