The Liberia National Police has sadly degenerated into a hub for mass murderers, effectively changing its mission from “protecting life and property” to “taking life and property” under the leadership of Inspector General Gregory Coleman.
The police force has been mired in a series of human rights violations, including brutality, unlawful killings, and a failure to uphold constitutional law. Since the Unity Party government appointed Gregory Coleman as Inspector General of Police, the country has seen a troubling rise in police violence, with several high-profile cases igniting national outrage.
Civil society groups, human rights advocates, and political commentators have sounded the alarm over the alarming trend of unchecked abuse of power by the state security forces. The brutality of the LNP contrasts with the previous administration under President George Weah and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), during which citizens were able to enjoy their constitutional rights.
Several incidents have raised particular concern, such as the Kinjor Massacre on February 28, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of Essah Massaley and Abraham Kerkula at the hands of LNP officers. On July 3, 2025, in the Rehab Community, a 17-year-old student named James Kandy was intentionally shot by the police. Then, on May 9, 2025, in Brewerville, a 17-year-old named Mohammed Manobah was killed under mysterious circumstances. The incident on February 12, 2025, on Old Road, involved the brutal beating of a 28-year-old pregnant woman named Musu Kiatamba, who tragically died after being severely flogged by Zone Three Police Commander Sayon Wolah.
In Brewerville City, a 17-year-old girl named Favour was fatally shot by Officer Boima Massaley of the LNP. Moreover, on October 8, 2025, in Congo Town, a mentally ill man named Matthew Mulbah was shot eight times in the chest by LNP officers after his family sought help to take him to a mental health facility.
In addition to the tragic incidents, the LNP has faced backlash for not addressing credible allegations of sexual violence involving government officials. Suspended Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, J. Bryant McGill, has been accused of raping a 14-year-old girl. Despite the gravity of these accusations, McGill is still at large, reportedly moving about freely in Montserrado County. Critics argue that the police’s failure to act in the McGill case highlights a wider culture of impunity within the security sector.
The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report on Liberia backs up many of the concerns raised locally. The report detailed credible allegations against state security forces, including arbitrary or unlawful killings, torture and inhumane treatment, arbitrary arrests and detentions, restrictions on free expression, violence against journalists, forced labor, and human trafficking. Notably, it mentioned a May 2024 incident where six LNP officers were charged in connection with the death of an inmate at Fish Town Central Prison.
Public demand is rising for an independent investigation into the conduct of the Liberia National Police. Human rights advocates are urging the immediate suspension and prosecution of officers involved in fatal incidents, justice for the victims and their families, institutional reform within the LNP, and the enforcement of oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and respect for constitutional rights.
As pressure builds both at home and abroad, the Unity Party government is facing a crucial test: will it uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens’ rights, or will it continue to shield a police force that is increasingly viewed as a tool of oppression rather than protection?
