The mysterious death of Prince Wreyou, an auto mechanic, has stirred significant controversy as conflicting accounts emerge from his family and the Liberia National Police (LNP) Airfield Depot.
While authorities at the Airfield Depot claim that Wreyou committed suicide on April 12, 2024, his family vehemently disputes this narrative, alleging that his death was due to internal bleeding caused by brutality at the hands of disadvantaged youths, reportedly acting on orders from Atty. Mohammed Fahnbulleh, a Commissioner at the Independent National Human Rights Commission (INCHR).
Despite these grave allegations, Verity Newspaper is yet to receive any medical report or autopsy to verify the cause of Wreyou’s death.
According to Sam Wreyou, the deceased’s brother, the police removed Prince’s body from the Airfield Police Depot without waiting for the family, and no medical report was provided by JFK Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The family was only informed that the body had been taken to the mortuary, and they were not given an opportunity to see it.
Sam Wreyou, serving as the family spokesperson, said they have repeatedly requested an investigation into the matter, but the police have yet to comply.
The family asserts that Prince Wreyou’s death resulted from brutality allegedly ordered by Atty. Mohammed Fahnbulleh and executed by local youths.
However, Atty. Fahnbulleh has denied these accusations, claiming that the Liberia National Police have investigated and concluded the matter.
He also alleges that an autopsy was conducted on Prince Wreyou’s remains and that both the autopsy and police investigative reports are with the deceased’s father.
Fahnbulleh maintains that he had no involvement in Wreyou’s death and considers the issue resolved.
This controversy months ago attracted the attention of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), calling on the Liberian government to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wreyou’s death while in custody at the Salem Police Station in the Airfield area.
The incident, which occurred on April 12, raised concerns about potential human rights violations and allegations of foul play.
According to a press statement released by the INCHR, Commissioner Mohammed Fahnbulleh reportedly brought Wreyou to the police station in a vehicle belonging to the commission.
Initial reports from the police claim that Wreyou committed suicide while in custody.
However, testimonies from Wreyou’s family and friends suggest a different scenario.
They allege that Wreyou was apprehended and tortured by individuals associated with a gangster group, led by someone known as ‘Shine,’ before being taken to the police station.
Wreyou’s brother, Edward Wreyou, stated that his brother was detained after resisting demands from the gangsters, who accused him of withholding client money.
Despite assurances from Commissioner Fahnbulleh that arrangements would be made for payment, the family claims that Wreyou was not given the opportunity to settle the matter before his alleged suicide. Additionally, the use of the commission’s vehicle to transport Wreyou to the police station has raised questions about the INCHR’s involvement in the incident.
The INCHR emphasized the importance of upholding human rights principles, including the right to life and the integrity of the person, as outlined in Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Commission Chairperson Cllr. T. Dempster Brown has reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into Wreyou’s death, asserting that the responsibility to protect the lives of those in state custody remains paramount, regardless of the individuals involved.
As the case unfolds, the discrepancies between the accounts provided by the police and Wreyou’s family continue to fuel public skepticism and demand for accountability.
The family’s allegations of brutality and torture, coupled with the police’s narrative of suicide, highlight significant gaps in the official investigation and raise serious concerns about the treatment of detainees within the Liberian justice system.
The Wreyou family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, calling for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the truth behind Prince Wreyou’s death.
They stress that the lack of transparency and the conflicting reports only deepen their mistrust in the authorities.
The public, too, watches closely, awaiting the outcome of the INCHR’s investigation and hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and human rights.
This case underscores the critical need for reform within the law enforcement and human rights oversight mechanisms in Liberia.
It calls for stringent measures to ensure accountability and protect the rights of individuals in custody.
By G. Watson Richards
