Liberian policeman, Inspector David S. Fayiah has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Mohammed Manobah on the night of August 3, 2024, in an incident that has left the community of Brewerville reeling.
The alleged shooter, Inspector David S. Faylah, a member of the Police Support Unit (PSU) and the Commander of Zone-6 Depot-3 police station, has been charged with murder, as well as possession and sale of physical objects for lethal use.
According to the charge sheet issued by the Crime Services Department of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the incident occurred around 8:00 PM in the Banjor Gas Station Community.
The shooting reportedly stemmed from a verbal altercation between Inspector Faylah and Manobah, who was allegedly standing near the road with a friend, obstructing the flow of traffic. Witnesses recounted that the exchange of words escalated, with both parties hurling profanities.
The confrontation turned deadly when Inspector Faylah allegedly pursued Manobah with a Glock 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol, firing a single round that struck the young man in the upper back as he attempted to flee.
Inspector Faylah initially claimed that the shooting was accidental, asserting that the bullet was meant as a warning shot.
However, the investigation found no evidence of an imminent threat to Inspector Faylah that would justify the use of lethal force.
Further details emerged, revealing that the firearm used in the incident was not Inspector Faylah’s assigned weapon but rather a borrowed pistol from a friend, identified as Francis Willie Konah.
The investigation, led by a team that included officers from the Zone-6 Base Police Station, conducted a thorough assessment of the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and performed an external examination of the victim, ultimately concluding that the shooting was deliberate.
Inspector Faylah was arrested on the night of the incident and charged with murder, along with other offenses, in violation of Liberia’s revised penal code.
The case has been forwarded to the Monrovia City Court, where the defendant is set to stand trial.
The death of Mohammed Manobah has left the community in mourning and sparked discussions about police conduct and the use of force.
The victim’s family accuses Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and the entire LNP of disseminating “false and misleading information” concerning the incident, in which a 19-year-old boy was killed.
The controversy centers around the LNP’s initial claim that the teenager, Mohammed Manobah, was shot during a tussle with an off-duty police officer, Inspector Faylah.
The family, however, insists that there was no struggle involved and that the police narrative is an attempt to cover up a wrongful act.
In an emotional telephone interview, a family member disclosed, “Mohammed had only gone to buy some items when he was shot in the back by the police officer.”
This statement directly challenges the LNP’s assertion that a physical altercation preceded the shooting.
Adding to the family’s outrage, a relative took to social media, writing, “Inspector David S. Faylah killed my little brother last night. According to him, my brother insulted his mother. Just imagine killing somebody because of an insult. The Mohammed that I know would never insult his elders. And what hurts the most is that the police boss is misleading the public with a different story.”
The deceased’s sister described Mohammed as a quiet and easy-going young man with no history of street fights or aggressive behavior.
“Imagine, the police are saying it was a tussle. How could there be a tussle when my brother was shot in the back, not even in the stomach?” she questioned, highlighting the contradiction in the police’s version of events.
According to sources, when the incident occurred, Inspector Faylah allegedly showed no remorse. Instead, he reportedly left the scene, leaving Mohammed’s lifeless body on the ground.
The family is calling for Police Inspector General Coleman to “stop spreading lies about our brother’s death.” They further allege that Inspector Faylah has a history of using excessive force, claiming this incident marks the third time he has been involved in shooting civilians.
Despite these serious allegations, the family says no statement has been taken from them by the police, who have only collected accounts from eyewitnesses.
“How can a 19-year-old boy go into a physical fight with an armed police inspector?” the family member asked, casting further doubt on the LNP’s narrative.
In response, the LNP released a statement expressing regret over the officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 3, 2024, at approximately 21:00 hrs at the Banjor Gas Station in Brewerville.
The incident involved Inspector Faylah and Mr. Manobah.
According to the LNP’s preliminary reports, a confrontation between Inspector Faylah and Mr. Manobah led to the discharge of the officer’s personal firearm.
Manobah sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Inspector Faylah is currently in custody at the Central Crime Services Department headquarters.
The LNP says it has initiated a thorough and transparent investigation to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police have promised that their priority is to ensure that justice is served and that all actions are conducted in accordance with the law.
The LNP acknowledges public concerns over the incident and assured the community of their commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
The police emphasized their dedication to maintaining public trust through diligent and impartial investigations.
As the case moves forward in the legal system, it is expected to draw significant public attention, with calls for justice from both the victim’s family and the wider community.
