Thursday, July 24 was a nightmare for the Liberian National Police when angry residents besieged the National Police Headquarters in Central Monrovia, demanding justice for a woman humiliated by an arresting officer.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia; July 25, 2025 – Tensions flared in Monrovia on Thursday, as members of the Fula community staged a protest at the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters, demanding justice for a female colleague allegedly assaulted and stripped by a police officer during an arrest.
The protest was sparked by a controversial incident involving Zainab Bah, a Fula woman, accused of power theft. Viral video footage circulating on social media shows a physical altercation between Bah and a police officer, during which she appears to strike the officer and reportedly pour boiling soup on him.
The footage also shows the officer attempting to arrest her while she carried her baby. Protesters allege that her hijab was forcibly removed during the arrest, an act that has ignited outrage, particularly among Muslim and human rights communities.
Public reactions to the footage have been sharply divided. Some have condemned Bah’s behavior toward the officer, while others expressed deep concern over the officer’s use of force and the perceived public humiliation the victim endured.
Speaking to reporters at the protest, Mohamed Bah, the leader of the Fula Community in Monrovia described the incident as a gross violation of human rights.
“This is unacceptable,” he said. “We are calling for a speedy and impartial investigation into this incident. Justice must prevail.”
Police sources say Bah was being arrested for alleged power theft, a second-degree felony under Liberian law, punishable by a prison term of two to seven years or a fine of US$400 to US$1,000. Officers claim she resisted arrest and physically assaulted law enforcement personnel.
However, some observers argue that the manner in which the arrest was conducted, especially the alleged stripping of Bah in the presence of her child, was both inhumane and culturally insensitive.
The incident has reignited national debates on police brutality, human rights, and the treatment of women by law enforcement officers in the country.
In a sharp political response, opposition figures and CDC Secretary General Jefferson Koijee, called for the immediate dismissal of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman. He accused Coleman of presiding over a culture of abuse and impunity within the Liberia National Police.
“This is not an isolated incident by a rogue officer. It reflects Gregory Coleman’s leadership,” Koijee said. “His tenure has been marked by reckless policing and repeated abuse of vulnerable citizens.”
Koijee also referenced a recent case in which Coleman allegedly publicly shamed a woman on social media, arguing that such behavior from the top has emboldened officers to mistreat civilians.
“No investigation can undo the trauma or cultural insult inflicted on Madam Bah,” Koijee stated. “And no press release can hide what we all saw. This is who Gregory Coleman is, and what he promotes within the LNP.”
He warned that retaining Coleman as Inspector General would be tantamount to endorsing gender-based violence and systemic impunity.
The Liberia National Police has pledged to conduct an internal investigation, but no timeline or details of potential disciplinary actions have been announced. As of now, the government has not officially responded to Koijee’s demands or the growing calls for accountability.
However, in a late evening statement, IG Coleman publicly apologized, promising to take corrective measures against officers’ excesses. Editing by Jonathan Browne
