Three young men have been arrested and formally charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in Gbarnga, Bong County in connection with an alleged armed robbery involving a woman who was attacked while returning home from a local entertainment centre in Gbarnga.
The suspects—Robert Nuetah, 19; Dennis Tokpah, 25; and Daniel Garkpor, 21—are accused of threatening the victim with knives and forcibly taking her mobile phone and other valuables during the incident, which police say occurred late at night on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The case, announced to journalists on Thursday, June 4, 2026, highlights ongoing police efforts to address violent street crimes and strengthen public safety in Bong County, where authorities say robbery cases remain a concern, particularly around entertainment venues and night-time travel routes.
Speaking to reporters in Gbarnga, Commander James Kartoe of the Crime Services Division (CSD), LNP Bong County Detachment, confirmed that the suspects have been formally charged with Armed Robbery and Theft of Property and are currently being held at the Gbarnga Central Police Station pending trial.
“The suspects have been charged with Armed Robbery and Theft of Property,” Commander Kartoe said, adding that investigative steps have been completed and the case is now set to proceed before the courts.
According to him, the alleged incident began after the victim left a popular entertainment spot identified as “Place to Be Night Club” and was making her way home when she was confronted.
Commander Kartoe said the suspects allegedly used knives to threaten the woman into compliance before taking her phone and other valuables and fleeing the scene.
He explained that the arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim, after which police launched an investigation that led to the identification and apprehension of the three suspects. He, however, did not provide further details on how the suspects were linked to the crime or whether any stolen items were recovered.
Police have since moved the case forward, with Commander Kartoe stressing that the accused remain in custody and will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations during court proceedings.
The incident has also prompted renewed concern over robbery trends in Bong County. Commander Kartoe disclosed that County Police Commander William W. Johnson is expected to increase security presence in identified crime-prone areas as part of a broader strategy to deter violent crime.
He said the planned deployment aims to strengthen visibility and improve rapid response in areas where robbery incidents are more likely to occur, particularly during nighttime hours.
The charges of Armed Robbery and Theft of Property carry serious legal implications, as armed robbery involves not only the unlawful taking of property but also the use or threat of violence—in this case reportedly involving knives—to intimidate the victim.
The suspects will now proceed through the judicial process, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence while the accused are given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
Police said the case remains under judicial review as authorities continue efforts to reduce violent crime and improve public safety in Gbarnga and surrounding communities.
