Monrovia-Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations, Cllr. Nelson Freeman, has confirmed that two Liberia National Police (LNP) officers have been disrobed and forwarded to the Professional Standards Division following alleged misconduct during a court-ordered eviction operation.
By Willie N. Tokpah
In an interview with FrontPageAfrica, at the scene and later shared via media outlets, Cllr. Freeman clarified the police’s role in the ongoing operation, stating that officers were present solely to support the sheriff in enforcing a valid court order.
“This is a court order, and we are just here to support the sheriff. This is part of our justice system,” said Cllr. Freeman.
“Per the court’s request, the police provide support to the sheriff to avoid them getting hurt or being involved in a confrontation. We are still around here, and I can’t tell how long, but we are observing the situation.”
However, Cllr. Freeman also addressed a troubling development involving police conduct.
He confirmed that two officers were caught on video allegedly placing unauthorised items into their vests and pockets, including a wig.
When they noticed they were being recorded, the officers reportedly dropped the items.
“Primarily, what we want to let you know is that two of our officers were caught on tape putting into their vests and pockets things that did not look like objects that belonged to them,” Freeman stated. “Because we don’t have all the facts yet and must be careful about what we put out, we can confirm that the two have been disrobed for what appears to be actions inimical to our code of conduct.
They have been forwarded to the Professional Standards Division.”
Additionally, there were reports of other officers being seen removing a flatscreen television from what is believed to be the office space of the CDC Headquarters.
Freeman did not confirm whether further disciplinary action would be taken in relation to that incident but emphasised that the situation remains under review and the officers have been forwarded to the LNP Professional Standards Division.
The Liberia National Police has vowed to uphold integrity and accountability within its ranks and has encouraged the public to remain calm as investigations proceed.
