MONROVIA — The Liberia National Police (LNP) has reported a wave of major criminal investigations and arrests across several counties, including murder, rape, aggravated assault, illegal mining-related theft, and violent protest cases, underscoring growing public safety challenges nationwide.
Speaking during the Friday, January 16, 2026 edition of Police Report on ELBC Radio 99.9 FM, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Cecelia G. Clarke said the updates reflect the LNP’s ongoing efforts to enforce the law and protect citizens across the country. “These are serious cases, and the Liberia National Police is taking decisive action to ensure accountability,” Clarke stated.
In Gbarpolu County, police in Bellekpalamu arrested six suspects in connection with the January 11 killing of Gballey Kanneh. Investigators revealed that the victim was allegedly tied and electrocuted after being accused of theft. The suspects, identified as Josephus Lableh, Emmanuel R. Tomkpah, John Kollie, Fredrick Teah, Jessey Sackie, and Kelvin Dowoyea, remain in custody while the body has been turned over to the victim’s family.
Also in Gbarpolu, police arrested Habakkuk Jallah, the town chief of Gbanquelleta, along with Mamadee Kamara, for allegedly ordering the closure of a mining site and facilitating the removal of equipment belonging to Abdullai Soro without consent. Both suspects are detained pending further investigation.
In Nimba County, police are probing the disappearance of Rufus Padmore, who was last seen on January 11, 2026, in Yekepa. Clarke disclosed that Padmore’s motorbike and mobile phone were later discovered at the residence of his girlfriend, Kou Gehlay, in Teo, Guinea. Gehlay has been arrested as investigations continue.
Grand Cape Mount County recorded multiple violent incidents. In Lofa Bridge, police arrested Mohammed Kiawu and James Fombah for allegedly assaulting Hindoway Sesey after the suspects refused to pay a fine imposed by a town chief. The victim remains hospitalized in Tubmanburg, while the suspects are in custody awaiting court action.
In another incident in Tahn Town, a 15-year-old suspect identified as Saah John is under investigation for shooting his friend, Momo Seh, with a single-barrel gun on January 14. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and head and is receiving treatment at the Tubmanburg Government Hospital. The suspect remains detained pending judicial proceedings.
In Monrovia, the LNP has charged and forwarded Mulbah K. Morlu and Rev. Festus R. B. Logan to court following investigations into the December 17, 2025 protest. According to Clarke, the defendants face multiple charges, including Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Conspiracy, Rioting, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstructing Highways, offenses that reportedly resulted in assault, robbery, and theft of property.
The police also confirmed progress in a high-profile rape case in the capital. Peter Bon Jallah has been charged following a January 5 complaint alleging repeated sexual abuse of a 16-year-old minor. Clarke said medical reports, witness testimony, and GSM forensic analysis supported the allegations. The defendant faces charges including statutory rape, gang rape, and kidnapping and has been forwarded to court.
Beyond criminal investigations, Clarke issued a public safety advisory, warning that road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of injuries and deaths in Liberia. She urged drivers to avoid speeding and driving under the influence, while advising pedestrians and motorcyclists to observe safety rules, including the use of helmets.
The LNP also announced traffic diversions in Congo Town due to ongoing construction works. Road users were advised to follow police instructions and diversion signs to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety.
Closing the broadcast, Clarke called on citizens to remain law-abiding and cooperative with law enforcement. “Join me every Friday at 8:30 a.m. on ELBC Radio 99.9 FM,” she said. “Let’s keep working together to keep Mama Liberia safe.”
