The family of a slain Liberian teenager has vehemently contradicted the official account provided by the Liberia National Police (LNP) regarding the fatal shooting of their loved one.
The family accuses Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and the entire LNP of disseminating “false and misleading information” concerning the incident, in which an 17-year-old boy was killed.
The controversy centers around the LNP’s claim that the teenager, Mohamed Manoba, was shot during a tussle with an off-duty police officer, Inspector David S. Fayiah.
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, “Mohamed 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. Fayiah killed my little brother last night. According to him, my brother insulted his mother. Just imagine killing somebody because of an insult. The Mohamed 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 Mohamed 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 Fayiah allegedly showed no remorse.
Instead, he reportedly left the scene, leaving Mohamed’s lifeless body on the ground.
The family is calling for Police IG Cole to “stop spreading lies about our brother’s death.”
The family further alleges that Inspector Fayiah 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 17-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 Fayiah and Mr. Manoba Mohamed.
According to the LNP’s preliminary reports, a confrontation between Inspector Fayiah and Mr. Mohamed led to the discharge of the officer’s personal firearm. Mohamed sustained injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Inspector Fayiah is currently in custody at the Central CSD charge of quarters.
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.
According to the law enforcement body, they acknowledge the 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 investigation unfolds, the community and the family of Mohamed Manoba demand justice and transparency, hoping that the truth will emerge, and accountability will be upheld in this tragic case.
