BAHN City, Nimba County – Police in Bahn City have formally charged two community radio journalists with illegal possession of firearms and have sent them to court.
By D. Franklin Doloquee, Nimba County
The accused, employees of the Voice of Benjamin Karman Sehkar Radio Station (BKS) in Buutuo Town, were apprehended by officers of the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police between Nyor Butuo and Gomahplay — the hometown of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson and Senator Samuel Kogar — on election day in Buu Yao District Number Five.
Authorities have not disclosed why the journalists were allegedly carrying a firearm on election day. However, police say residents tipped them off after spotting the men with a locally made short single-barreled gun.
The suspects are identified as 30-year-old Chris Sehkar, cashier of the station, and 29-year-old Takpor Sehwah, Station Manager and reporter at BKS. Reports indicate that both men are supporters of a candidate who contested the just-ended Nimba County District Number Five by-election.
Following their arrest, they were initially detained at the Bahn Police Depot in the Zoe-Geh Administrative District. They have since been charged and forwarded to the Bahn Magistrate Court. Pending further legal proceedings, they are expected to be transferred to the Sanniquellie Central Prison.
The Liberia National Police says it is conducting a full-scale investigation to determine the suspects’ connection to the radio station, any political party or independent candidate, and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.
In Nimba County, it is common for community journalists to openly support political figures, with some reportedly receiving monthly payments from local politicians, including the county superintendent, senators, and representatives. This close link between politics and the media has fueled concerns about impartiality and the safety of journalists during politically sensitive periods.
