Monrovia, Liberia – February 18, 2025 – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has recalled two Police Support Unit (PSU) officers assigned to the Capitol Building following their involvement in the forceful opening of Representative Yekeh Kolubah’s vehicle.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a statement, the LNP identified the officers as Sergeant Sam C. F. Karbor and Chief Inspector of Police Frank P. Banda, noting that they are currently under investigation by the Professional Standards Division to determine their role in the incident.
The dramatic event unfolded on Tuesday when LNP officers, acting on the orders of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, the Majority Bloc-declared Speaker, used a drill to forcefully unlock Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle.
The confrontation stemmed from a parking dispute at the Capitol. Rep. Kolubah had deliberately parked his vehicle in the reserved space for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a spot traditionally occupied by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. However, since Koon’s controversial declaration as Speaker by the Majority Bloc, the space has become a flashpoint in the ongoing leadership tussle.
A vocal supporter of Speaker Koffa, Kolubah has refused to acknowledge Koon’s authority, and his decision to park in the Speaker’s space was seen as an act of defiance. In response, Koon ordered the police to remove the vehicle, leading to the officers’ decision to drill open the car—a move that sparked outrage among lawmakers opposed to Koon’s leadership.
The police action has drawn widespread criticism, with opponents of Koon questioning the legality of his directive and the role of law enforcement in the ongoing political standoff.
In the LNP statement, Deputy Commissioner of Police Cecelia Clarke reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring that officers uphold professional standards in their duties.
