Monrovia, Liberia- The Plenary of the House of Representatives has voted to summon Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman and Justice Minister Oswald Tweh to provide reasons why the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP) jeopardized the peaceful citizens of Pleebo Sodoken District in Maryland County.
The Plenary decision was triggered on Tuesday, September 17, during its 9th day sitting of the extraordinary session by a communication from Maryland County District 2 Representative Anthony F. Williams in which he stated that both PSU and ERU officers have been moving his constituents from their homes and market places in “Search and Seizure” of their goods (palm oil) upon the request of the Management of the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP).
“Honorable Speaker & esteemed Colleagues, our investigation has established that the “Search and Seizure” warrant was grossly misused by the PSU and ERU Specifically, the warrant lacked clear details on what was to be seized, the areas to be searched, and the individuals to be targeted; rather, it was arbitrarily executed. This deviation from the conventional approach to “Search and Seizure” warrants, as outlined in Liberian law, raises significant concerns,” Rep. Williams Communication noted.
The Maryland lawmaker noted in his communication that according to the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia, a search and seizure warrant must be issued based on a sworn affidavit that clearly specifies the items to be seized, the locations to be searched, and the individuals involved. Section 11.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law states that any property subject to search and seizure must be clearly identified in the warrant. Additionally, the warrant must be approved by a competent judicial authority, ensuring that the search is conducted lawfully and with respect for individuals’ rights.
“Honorable Speaker & distinguished Colleagues, in this case, the warrant’s lack of specificity and arbitrary execution violated these legal requirements in effect. The absence of clear details on the warrant contravenes the procedural safeguards intended to protect against unreasonable searches and seizures, as enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia. Article 21(f) of the Constitution explicitly protects individuals from arbitrary searches and seizures, mandating that any such actions must be conducted under a warrant issued upon probable cause,” The Communication highlighted.
The Maryland County Lawmaker stated that it is reported that the police have been seizing private citizens’ properties, particularly red oil, on grounds that it belongs to MOPP.
According to him, it is important to note that even before the establishment of MOPP, citizens have been engaged in small-scale oil palm production for both household use and commercial purposes.
The seizure of private citizens’ oil palm products constitutes an abuse of power and a violation of the right to private property as enshrined in the Liberian Constitution.
The legislator further in is communication that the actions by the Police have the potential to incite violence if not addressed amicably.
This situation bears similarities to the events in Grand Cape Mount County, where citizens rose against Bea Mountain Mining Company, and in Bong County, where there were conflicts involving China Union.
Meanwhile members of the legislative body voted to have LNP IG and Justice Minister to appear in full plenary upon their return.
