Monrovia – A Liberia National Police (LNP) officer, Humphrey Khan, is undergoing treatment after sustaining severe injuries during an altercation while enforcing the ban on commercial motorcycles in central Monrovia. The attack occurred on Monday, March 10, 2025, near Johnson Street, when a motorcyclist reportedly struck him on the head with a commode cover. Khan is currently receiving medical care at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
The Liberia National Police has strongly criticized the assault, describing it as a threat to public safety and a blatant act of violence against law enforcement personnel. In a statement, the LNP reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law despite the dangers faced by officers. The police assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
The incident has also drawn condemnation from civil society organizations. Street Kids Liberia, a local advocacy group, has called for immediate legal action against the perpetrator and urged the police to strengthen enforcement of the motorcycle restriction policy. Amos Harris, the group’s Executive Director, stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and warned against allowing such acts to go unpunished.
“This nation is governed by laws, and no individual is above those laws,” Harris said, expressing concerns that further leniency could embolden others to defy regulations and threaten public safety. He also encouraged the police to maintain their “No-Go Zones” policy to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The “No-Go Zones” policy, which prohibits commercial motorcyclists from operating in specific areas of central Monrovia, was introduced to address growing concerns about traffic congestion and public safety. However, the regulation has faced resistance from motorcyclists who argue that it disrupts their livelihoods.
Tensions between law enforcement and commercial motorcyclists have escalated in recent years, with frequent clashes reported in areas where the restrictions are strictly enforced. The latest attack on Officer Khan highlights the challenges police officers face while implementing these regulations.
Street Kids Liberia has pledged its support to the LNP and called on the Ministry of Justice to ensure a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable. The organization also appealed to community leaders and the public to cooperate with law enforcement in maintaining peace and order.
Meanwhile, the police are continuing their inquiry into the incident and have vowed to pursue all legal avenues to bring the assailant to justice. The LNP emphasized that acts of violence against officers will not be tolerated and warned that anyone found obstructing law enforcement duties will face prosecution.
