By: Ben T.C Brooks
River Gee County | June 9, 2026 | The River Gee County detachment of the Liberia National Police – LNP, has charged and forwarded eight individuals to the Fish-Town Magisterial Court on June 8, 2026, in connection with the alleged unlawful public abuse, humiliation, and mistreatment of a 58-year-old woman in Kelipo Torroken Town, River Gee County.
The action follows a police investigation launched after a video of the incident surfaced and rapidly circulated across social media platforms, sparking widespread public outrage and concern both within River Gee County and across Liberia.
According to authorities, the investigation was initiated to determine whether criminal offenses had been committed against the woman and whether those responsible should be held accountable under Liberian law.
Speaking on the matter, River Gee County Police Commander ACP Theophilus Togbah stated that the suspects are accused of participating in actions that allegedly subjected the victim to public humiliation, coercion, harassment, and unlawful restraint.
ACP Togbah emphasized that the police investigation focused solely on the alleged criminal acts committed against the victim and not on claims of witchcraft, noting that allegations of witchcraft are not recognized as criminal offenses under the laws of the Republic of Liberia.
According to the County Police Commander, individuals charged and forwarded to court are;
Patrick Swen, Doe Waplo, Esther Welabo and
Princess Appleton. Other include; Moses Tarwole, Rufus Swen, Benedict Taryon and Cyrus Tinapo.
Police investigators disclosed that evidence gathered during the investigation, including video recordings widely shared on social media and findings documented by investigators, established sufficient probable cause to pursue criminal charges against the accused.
He said based on the evidence obtained, the suspects have been charged with several offenses under Liberian law, including:
criminal conspiracy, criminal coercion, and harassment
Meanwhile, the case has since been transferred to the Fish-Town Magisterial Court, where judicial proceedings are expected to commence in accordance with due process.
The Liberia National Police River Gee detachment further revealed that the investigation remains ongoing and warned that additional individuals could face criminal charges if further evidence links them to the alleged incident.
To protect her privacy, dignity, and personal safety, authorities have withheld the identity of the 58-year-old victim.
Meanwhile, the LNP has reiterated that all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Police authorities are also calling on members of the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference, speculation, intimidation of witnesses, or any attempt to influence the outcome of the case.
The Liberia National Police reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and security of all citizens, stressing that allegations of wrongdoing must be addressed through lawful judicial channels rather than acts of vigilante justice, public humiliation, or violence.
Meanwhile, the case has drawn greater public attention and is expected to reignite national conversations about mob justice, the protection of vulnerable persons, and the rule of law in Liberia’s rural communities.
