By Rocheford T. Gardiner
MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged ten men in connection with the violent mob assault and public stripping of a young woman in the Red Light Commercial District, an incident that has sparked national outrage after footage of the attack went viral on social media.
In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Inspector General Gregory Coleman characterized the assault as “unlawful, degrading, and inhumane,” noting that such acts of lawlessness threaten Liberia’s international standing and economic future.
The Accused and the Charges
Following a preliminary investigation that utilized witness testimonies and digital forensic analysis of the circulated videos, the LNP identified and processed ten primary defendants. They have been named as:
- Shelton Dolo, Emmanuel Flomo, Abel C. Dandy, Ernest Koiyan, and Lincoln Sungbeh.
- Prince Saykay, Daddy Stephen, Emmanuel Dee, Joe Roberts, and Eric Gbokolo.
The police have also obtained statements from two individuals, Telewowoyan Flomo and Augustine T. Musa, as part of the evidentiary gathering process. The ten accused face a litany of charges under the Revised Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia, including:
- Sexual Assault and Offensive Touching
- Felonious Restraint
- Simple Assault and Harassment
- Disorderly Conduct and Recklessly Endangering Another Person
The LNP confirmed that the defendants have been forwarded to court for trial. Police leadership emphasized that the investigation remains active, and additional suspects identified through video evidence may be charged in absentia.
A Blow to National Reputation
Inspector General Coleman linked the brutality of the incident to broader national consequences, arguing that mob violence undermines the government’s efforts to attract investment and tourism.
“Scenes of public brutality and lawlessness circulating globally create harmful perceptions of insecurity,” the statement read. “This matter extends beyond individual criminal accountability… [it damages] national efforts aimed at economic growth, tourism development, and investor confidence.”
The LNP’s stance signals a shift in treating gender-based mob violence not merely as a local disturbance, but as a “conduct harmful to the broader national interest.”
A Call for Rule of Law
As the case moves to the judiciary, the LNP has urged the public to refrain from further violence and allow the legal process to take its course, reminding citizens that the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The police chief issued a rallying cry to civil society, religious leaders, and market associations to “actively reject mob justice.”
“A lawful society is strengthened not by the anger of crowds, but by respect for human dignity and the impartial administration of justice,” Coleman concluded, reaffirming the LNP’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all persons within the Republic.
