Verity News received information from family sources, including hospital images and videos, relating to a very disturbing case of alleged domestic violence that led to the tragic death of a young Liberian woman, Kadiatu Dioh, 27.
According to family sources, Kadiatu was allegedly assaulted by her husband, Papié Lema Dioh, and another woman believed to be his girlfriend.
The incident occurred in the Johnsonville Township, leaving Kadiatu unconscious. She was reportedly rushed to the JFK Medical Center, where she remained hospitalized for several days before succumbing to her injuries. Doctors confirmed that internal bleeding in the brain was the cause of death.
Hawa Abigail Neewon, Kadiatu’s sister, spoke to Verity, expressing deep concern over the years of abuse Kadiatu endured in her marriage.
She recounted that the relationship between Kadiatu and Papié had long been troubled, marred by violence, financial hardship, and repeated family intervention.
Hawa revealed that the couple met while Papié was living with his aunt in Johnsonville. At the time, Kadiatu supported him financially, helping him enroll at the NVTC to study electricity, which eventually led to his employment with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Despite her support, the relationship reportedly became abusive. Hawa alleged that during Kadiatu’s pregnancy, she was beaten while six months along, leading to complications and the premature delivery of their child via surgery at JFK Hospital.
Multiple efforts by family members and the community to intervene reportedly failed to stop the abuse. A court-mandated separation at one point did little to resolve the situation.
Kadiatu later reconciled with Papié, only for the violence to allegedly resume.
The most recent and fatal incident occurred last week. Eyewitnesses claim that Kadiatu was attacked with a 2×2 wooden plank by Papié and his alleged girlfriend.
Bystanders reportedly tried to intervene, but Papié refused to stop, allegedly stating that he intended to kill her.
After the assault, friends transported Kadiatu to JFK Medical Center. Despite emergency medical efforts, her condition deteriorated due to internal brain bleeding.
The family said that initially, Papié denied responsibility, claiming Kadiatu had merely fallen ill.
“This man is now lying to the police,” said Hawa through tears. “He says he hasn’t beaten her in three years, but we know the truth. He thinks we’re powerless. He kept hurting my sister because he knew no one would stand up for us.”
The family is appealing to human rights organizations, legal authorities, and the general public to ensure that justice is served.
They fear that due to their lack of influence or financial means, the case may be dismissed or inadequately investigated.
“This is no longer just about Kadiatu. It’s about all women who suffer in silence and never see justice,” Hawa added.
Kadiatu leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter, now in the care of their mother in Johnsonville.
The family has also expressed serious concerns about the delay in police action.
Hawa claims that since the incident occurred last Monday, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has made no visible effort to investigate her sister’s death.
She further alleged that police officers have asked the family to proceed with burial while the investigation remains “pending.”
Hawa informed this paper that when the family requested an official death report from JFK Hospital, the administration reportedly stated that it would only be released after the body is collected for burial.
“The police told us they would go to the hospital to obtain the report and conduct their investigation,” said Hawa. “But it’s been a week now, and we haven’t heard anything.”
“In fact, they even said that once we are ready to bury our daughter, we can go for her body at the hospital,” she concluded, highlighting the family’s deep frustration and sense of abandonment.
