The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has strongly denied allegations made by former Deputy Director General of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Hassan Fadiga, who is under investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) for allegedly assaulting an AFL personnel.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Major El-Dorado Nyanti Jebboe, Acting Chief of Public Affairs, dismissed Fadiga’s claims that AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Davidson Forleh intended to harm him. The AFL described the allegations as “completely unfounded” and accused Fadiga of attempting to mislead the public.
“The AFL operates under the rule of law and remains committed to the safety and security of all citizens, including individuals under investigation,” the statement said. “We take such claims seriously and want to assure the public that there is no basis for Fadiga’s statements.”
The AFL urged the public to rely on credible sources for information and warned against spreading misinformation that could undermine the integrity of the armed forces and the justice system.
The incident occurred on February 21, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, when Staff Sergeant Joseph Broh of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Brigade, sustained an injury to his right wrist. According to the AFL, Broh was driving a Nissan Primera with license plate A116799 from ELWA Junction toward the VOA Community in Paynesville. At an intersection near Graystone Bricks Factory, a confrontation occurred between Broh and individuals identified as the Fadiga brothers.
The AFL’s account states that one of the Fadiga brothers, driving a Renault Duster with license plate A45903, demanded the right of way despite ample space on the road. An argument ensued, during which the Fadigas allegedly insulted Broh before exiting their vehicle and spraying him with two large canisters of pepper spray through his car window.
As Broh exited his vehicle in self-defense, he was reportedly struck on the wrist with an open handcuff, causing a puncture wound. Broh then contacted his Command Sergeant Major, who dispatched an officer to the scene and requested an ambulance from the 14 Military Hospital.
The situation escalated when approximately 25 to 30 LDEA personnel arrived in response to a call from one of the Fadiga brothers. The AFL expressed concern over the LDEA’s intervention, questioning the agency’s decision to mobilize personnel based on a civilian request outside their chain of command.
Military Police officers, led by their commander, also responded to the scene to assist the LNP. All parties involved were taken to the Zone 8 Police Station for investigation, except for Broh, who was receiving medical treatment. However, the AFL noted that the Fadiga brothers refused to cooperate with police investigators or provide written statements, even after their lawyer arrived.
By 11:00 AM the following day, the situation remained unresolved despite calls from senior AFL and LNP officers. The Commanding General ultimately ordered the Military Police to return to the Edward Binyah Kesselly (EBK) Barracks after efforts to facilitate the investigation proved unsuccessful.
Staff Sergeant Broh was discharged from the hospital after receiving emergency care, and medical tests for drugs and alcohol (standard AFL protocol) returned negative results. The AFL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the police investigation while emphasizing its dedication to upholding justice and the rule of law.
