The Liberia National Police (LNP) has announced that it has received what it describes as credible intelligence indicating that a firearm allegedly seized from a police officer during Friday’s public demonstration was intended to be used for unlawful and nefarious purposes.
According to the LNP, the intelligence suggests that Mr. Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), is believed to be in unlawful possession of the weapon. Based on this information, the Police have declared Morlu “armed and dangerous” and urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution.
The LNP has directed all Liberia National Police personnel, as well as other law enforcement officers who may encounter Morlu, not to attempt to engage or confront him alone.
Instead, officers have been instructed to immediately notify the appropriate command authority or the nearest police operational center so that a coordinated law enforcement response can be initiated.
The Police emphasized that any operational response must be carried out strictly in accordance with the applicable Rules of Engagement, the laws of Liberia, and established police procedures.
The LNP also issued what it described as a final warning to Morlu, calling on him to immediately surrender the firearm to the nearest Liberia National Police station or any recognized law enforcement authority.
It can be recalled that STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, the lead organizer of Thursday’s July 17 protest, alleged that an armed individual was sent to disrupt the demonstration, claiming protesters apprehended the suspect and confiscated a firearm before any violence could occur.
Speaking during the protest, Morlu said participants identified the individual, detained him, and recovered what he described as a firearm from the person’s possession. He asserted that the swift intervention by protesters prevented the situation from escalating and helped maintain order throughout the demonstration.
According to Morlu, the alleged suspect was attempting to disrupt what organizers described as a peaceful protest. However, he did not disclose the individual’s identity, the alleged motive behind the incident, or identify those he claimed had sent the person.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged apprehension therefore remain unclear, and further details are expected as authorities investigate the matter or provide an official account.
The reported incident occurred during a nationwide protest organized by STAND and a coalition of civil society groups, which have accused the Boakai administration of failing to address the country’s worsening economic conditions, corruption, and governance challenges.
At the time, Morlu said the movement was intended to amplify the frustrations of ordinary Liberians whom he claimed had lost confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
“This movement is bigger than politics, bigger than tribe, bigger than county, bigger than coalition,” Morlu declared. “This movement is Liberia crying for genuine rescue, not fake rescue.”
The coalition’s theme, “Lead or Leave,” is a direct challenge to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whose 2023 presidential campaign centered on a pledge to rescue Liberia from what the Unity Party described as the shortcomings of the previous administration.
“The Liberian people were promised rescue, but instead they received betrayal,” he said. “They were promised leadership, but what they are receiving today are excuses.”
According to the Police, failure to comply will result in all lawful measures being taken to recover the weapon and bring those responsible before the courts.
The Liberia National Police further appealed to members of the public with credible information regarding Morlu’s whereabouts or the location of the firearm to report such information immediately through the nearest police station or established LNP emergency reporting channels.
The public has also been strongly advised not to approach or attempt to apprehend Morlu.
The Liberia National Police reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public safety, protecting the constitutional rights of all persons, and ensuring that anyone who seeks to use violence or unlawfully possesses firearms is held fully accountable under the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
