Monrovia – The Liberia National Police has released Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) Chairman Mulbah Morlu to his lawyer after questioning him in connection with a firearm recovered during the July 17 protest.
By Jaheim T. Tumu | jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com
Morlu’s lawyer, Attorney Anthony Cole, said his client is being treated as a cooperating witness in the ongoing investigation and expressed confidence that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Morlu was arrested earlier Saturday and escorted in handcuffs from the Paynesville City Court to the Liberia National Police headquarters after officers conducted a search and seizure operation at his residence.
Speaking to reporters, Cole maintained that Morlu acted responsibly after the weapon was recovered amid a tense crowd situation.
“As far as we know, Mulbah Morlu has been considered a witness. He is a cooperating witness,” Cole said.
He added that the firearm is now in the custody of the Liberia National Police and that all necessary procedures were followed.
“The weapon is currently in the care of the Liberia National Police. A comprehensive inventory has been done, and a custody process was completed. He is cooperating with the investigation, and that is where we are at this point,” Cole said.
According to the lawyer, the firearm was surrendered through the court system to ensure a proper chain of custody before being returned to the police.
“The most important thing is to get the weapon back to the Liberia National Police. The police claim it is their weapon, so you give it to the court, the court gives the weapon back, case closed,” he said.
Cole rejected suggestions that Morlu had acted improperly, arguing that his client’s actions helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
“What Morlu and his team did was in the best interest of the people of this country so that we would not have a catastrophe on our hands,” he said.
He further stated that taking the matter to court demonstrated confidence in Liberia’s judicial system.
“Going to the court was the best course of action regarding the weapon, and that is what was done,” Cole said.
The attorney also dismissed speculation that the investigation was politically motivated.
“I think this matter should not be politicized. There is a legal process that all of us need to follow,” he said. “I am definitely confident that my client goes home.”
Police have since confirmed that the firearm is in their possession and said investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
