Assigned City Solicitor and Prosecutor at the Omega Magisterial Court, Garpue K Wonlue, has strongly condemned the recent protest by some members of the Fulani Community.
The demonstrations reportedly erupted in response to the recent arrest of a Fulani woman accused of assaulting officers from the Anti-Power Theft Task Force and the Liberia National Police.
Speaking firmly on the matter, Prosecutor Wonlue warned against using religion, ethnicity, or tribal identity to justify criminal behavior or obstruct justice.
“Let it be noted: no one is above the law,” Wonlue said in an official statement. “Assaulting a police officer or any lawful authority in the execution of their duties is a serious offense, particularly one that rises to the level of a second-degree felony. Such acts cannot and must not be excused on religious, ethnic, or tribal grounds.”
Wonlue reaffirmed the principle of equal justice under the law, citing Liberia’s constitutional foundation of peace, unity, and equality before the law.
“Liberia is a nation founded on peace, justice, and unity. We cannot allow tribal or religious sentiments to override the rule of law, especially where our Constitution provides that there is no superior religion. As citizens, we must all respect law enforcement officers and allow due process to take its course,” he added.
The protest in question was reportedly sparked after a female suspect from the Fulani community was detained for resisting arrest and allegedly attacking officers who were executing a power theft enforcement operation.
Some members of the Fulani community staged a protest, citing religious discrimination.
However, Wonlue cautioned the community against framing the matter in religious or ethnic terms.
“It is my view that all communities, especially our brothers and sisters from the Fulani community, must refrain from actions that incite division or threaten national peace,” he emphasized. “We must not allow isolated criminal allegations to be turned into ethnic or religious conflict.”
The prosecutor also issued a sharp rebuke of the Inspector General of Police-Gregory O. W. Coleman who he claims prematurely condemned the actions of the police officer involved in the arrest without awaiting a proper internal investigation.
“I also condemn the Inspector General’s public criticism of the officer, who was wearing the badge, the uniform, and the flag, representing our laws and our state,” said Wonlue.
He added: “The officer was enforcing anti-power theft laws and met with aggression. The IG’s statement, issued without a full and professional investigation by the Liberia National Police’s Professional Standards Division, undermines both the officer and the integrity of the investigative process.”
Wonlue called for calm and urged the public to allow justice to take its course without interference. He stressed that prosecution will proceed based on the merits of the case, not public pressure or ethnic sentiment.
“We must ensure that justice is pursued impartially. Allowing suspects to walk free under the guise of religious or ethnic persecution would be a dangerous precedent,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Justice has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but sources within the legal system say an internal review of both the arrest and the conduct of involved parties are underway.
