Monrovia—The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged Madam Zainab Bah and her husband, Ibrahim Jalloh, in connection with the power theft case that attracted widespread public attention following a viral arrest video in Monrovia.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
According to the LNP, Madam Bah faces charges of simple assault and resisting arrest, while Mr. Jalloh has been charged with power theft for allegedly tampering with a Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) meter.
The incident occurred on July 22, 2025, in the Newport Street Community, Central Monrovia, during a routine power inspection by LEC officials. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, which was captured on video and circulated widely on social media.
In a statement issued Friday, the LNP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professional conduct, sharing key findings from their investigation. The police indicated that Madam Bah’s arrest was lawful; however, her subsequent actions—such as throwing a bench and splashing hot soup—were classified as criminal acts. The investigation noted her passive resistance and emphasized that officers should have utilized de-escalation techniques.
The LNP criticized Officer Alice Togba, who appeared in the viral footage removing Madam Bah’s hijab during the arrest, for her conduct. The officer has been suspended without pay for one month, with authorities citing her actions as unnecessary and in violation of standard police procedures. Additionally, Officer Prince W. Chebo was exonerated, with the police confirming his conduct was lawful and appropriate.
The investigation also highlighted communication gaps, noting that officers and LEC personnel failed to adequately engage Madam Bah, who faced language barriers. Authorities said that her husband or a translator should have been involved to help de-escalate the situation.
Madam Bah is charged with multiple offenses, including simple assault—linked to her actions of throwing a bench and splashing hot soup—preventing arrest or discharge of official duties, and disorderly conduct under the country’s Penal Law. Mr. Jalloh faces charges of power theft, specifically for tampering with LEC meters and bypassing billing mechanisms to evade payment.
The LNP emphasized that Madam Bah did not sustain any physical injuries during the incident. Officer Alice M. Tokpah, responsible for removing Madam Bah’s hijab, has been suspended for one month without pay, while Officer Chebo has been cleared of any misconduct.
The Liberia National Police expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation during the investigation. The police reaffirmed their dedication to accountability, respecting citizens’ rights, and maintaining high standards of professionalism to foster trust within the community.
