RIA Highway, Margibi – A family from Lahai Camp, RIA Highway, is speaking out against the alleged mishandling of their case by the RIA Detachment of the Liberia National Police. Mr. Mark J. Sannoh, a family spokesperson, expressed deep frustration over what he described as ongoing harassment, intimidation, and denial of their basic rights by the police and the court.
“We feel compelled to speak out because we are tired of the humiliation we have faced from the police and the court, particularly from the RIA detachment,” Mr. Sannoh said. “Our family has been harassed and intimidated, and we’ve been denied our fundamental rights, all due to the lack of action on a case involving illegal land sales.”
According to Mr. Sannoh, six months ago, their family was attacked and threatened by a group of young men involved in illegal land sales in the area. After reporting the incident to the RIA Detachment, Mr. Sannoh claims these individuals were released, with assurances that justice would be served in court. However, the family later discovered that critical photographic evidence of their injuries was omitted from the charge sheet, which has since hindered their ability to move forward with the case.
“We’ve been stuck with no recourse,” Sannoh added. “Nothing has been done.”
The situation took another turn on January 25, 2025, when a family member was allegedly assaulted by individuals connected to the illegal land sellers, who posed as law enforcement personnel. They falsely claimed to have a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Momo Johnson for allegedly removing their cornerstone. Upon requesting police intervention, officers from the RIA Detachment responded and took Mr. Johnson into custody. Despite the lack of evidence against him, he remained detained until the following Monday, when the case was transferred, and authorities were unable to present any substantiating evidence.
The case was heard by Magistrate Torseh, who, although unable to issue a ruling, requested that the family arrange for Mr. Johnson’s release on bail, asking them to return on Thursday, January 29, 2025.
Then, on January 26, 2025, another twist occurred. An anonymous individual contacted the police, claiming responsibility for the demolition of the site where the land dispute was centered, despite a court-ordered stay. However, no arrests were made in connection with this new development.
The situation reached a new height on the morning of January 28, 2025, when five officers from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) arrived at the family home to arrest Mr. Johnson.
Sannoh explained that the officers confronted Mr. Johnson while he was bathing, accusing him of destroying a zinc round. When the family pointed out that they had already been to court over the matter, the alleged perpetrators of the illegal land sales disassociated themselves from the ERU officers, claiming that an individual named “King” was responsible for bringing the officers.
However, when the family proceeded to the police department to file a complaint, “King” did not show up.
As of the writing of this article, Mr. Johnson remains in police custody. Officer Deeflow allegedly informed the family that Unit 180 has an interest in the case, and they are not permitted to release him.
Meanwhile, the Liberia Land Authority has reportedly conducted an investigative survey of the disputed land, and the alleged illegal land sellers are well aware of the situation.
“We have tried to reach out to the authorities, but no one is willing to speak to us or our family members,” Mr. Sannoh said, calling for immediate action. “We are using this medium to enlighten the public and urge the Liberia National Police headquarters to intervene and act promptly in this matter.”
By Emmanuel M. Kangar
