By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia– There Inspector Basic of the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP)has reassured the Liberian public of the police’s unwavering dedication to professionalism, self-discipline, and the rule of legislation, because the LNP continues to sort out crime and uphold nationwide safety.
Col. Gregory Coleman, addressing public considerations concerning current safety operations, together with restrictions on motorbike visitors, crime developments, and the dealing with of an ongoing high-profile investigation, mentioned they haven’t skilled surge in crimes in current occasions.
Addressing MICAT Press Briefing Thursday, IG Coleman mentioned the choice to limit bikes from plying main streets in Monrovia was made primarily to guard riders from accidents, including that the measure has had the additional advantage of decreasing street-level crimes.
“Once we analyzed crime developments over the previous 5 years, we noticed constant spikes round this time of the 12 months, significantly throughout the wet season,” he acknowledged. “However this 12 months, regardless of the discharge of some high-profile convicts, we now have not skilled the anticipated surge in crime.”
He attributed the progress to proactive policing methods, elevated intelligence deployment, and operational changes that prioritize public security.
The LNP Chief nevertheless acknowledged a number of remoted circumstances of armed theft, together with incidents on Duport Street and within the Bensenville space, emphasizing that the police are actively monitoring the suspects and using intelligence-led operations to discourage additional prison exercise.
“These are largely opportunistic crimes, pushed by substance abuse and financial desperation,” Coleman famous. “We encourage the general public to take private security measures, like not leaving priceless gadgets seen in parked automobiles.”
Addressing himself to current allegations made by Mr. John Yanti, a topic within the ongoing Arson investigation, he mentioned that Mr. Yanti was not held on the LNP headquarters, however in a delegated protected home, in accordance with established safety protocols, confirming the household early claims that their brother was saved at an expensive resort in Thinkers Village below the watch of the LNP and NSA.
“All interactions with Mr. Yanti had been carried out below video surveillance,” he mentioned. “If he claims to have recordings or documentation, we welcome him to current them. From our aspect, this case is grounded in stable proof and has been dealt with with strict adherence to worldwide requirements.”
IG Coleman additionally denied accusations of proof tampering or coercion, including, “At no level did we attempt to compromise the integrity of the investigation or the state. It is a robust case constructed purely on credible proof.”
The Inspector Basic additionally cautioned media shops and most of the people in opposition to conducting a “trial by media,” stressing that the courtroom stays the right discussion board for the adjudication of justice.
“Some people are utilizing media platforms to distort public notion and doubtlessly affect jurors,” Coleman warned. “This undermines justice and weakens public belief within the authorized system.
Ending his remarks on a agency notice, Coleman vowed that the times of unchecked impunity in Liberia are over. He emphasised that the LNP, below the present administration, will pursue all violators of the legislation no matter standing, political affiliation, or class.
“If we can not finish impunity, we can not cease corruption,” he declared. “Beneath this administration, nobody is above the legislation. Anybody who breaks it is going to face the results.”
He declined to disclose the precise location of the protected home used throughout the ongoing investigation however assured that every one protocols had been adopted. Coleman concluded by thanking the media and the general public for his or her continued assist and cooperation.
LNP Denies Bribery Allegations, Reaffirms Integrity in Excessive-Profile Prison Investigation
Denial of Bribery Allegations
On the similar time, the Police IG has denied allegations that the police tried to bribe or coerce Mr. Yanti, a suspect and key individual of curiosity in an ongoing high-profile prison investigation.
IG Coleman mentioned at no level did the LNP have interaction in any type of bribery or unethical take care of Mr. Yanti, opposite to stories circulating within the media.
“Let me make it clear that at no cut-off date did the Liberia Nationwide Police have interaction with Mr. Yanti regarding any bribe or promise of reward in trade for false testimony,” Coleman emphasised. “There’s nobody within the LNP with the authority to commit authorities to such actions.”
Coleman recounted that Mr. Yanti had been recognized early within the investigation as an individual of curiosity and had initially evaded authorities.
His eventual return to Liberia was made potential by way of the intervention of a relative, who assured the police of Yanti’swillingness to cooperate as a witness.
Nonetheless, based on Coleman, as soon as Yanti was introduced in and interviewed, it grew to become evident that he couldn’t be trusted.
“He was already charged earlier than his return. When he got here in, we gave him a chance—primarily based on the household’s plea to talk and show his willingness to cooperate. But it surely was clear he couldn’t be relied upon,” Coleman acknowledged.
Addressing rumors that Mr. Yanti demanded or was supplied cash starting from $2,000 to $200,000—in trade for cooperation, IG Coleman dismissed all such strategies as false and unsubstantiated.
“There are conflicting claims concerning the quantity—$50,000, $200,000, and even $2,000. Regardless of the determine, the reality is we acquired a request that we merely couldn’t honor. We by no means promised or gave him any cash,” he mentioned.
Coleman confirmed that Mr. Yanti was turned over to the courtroom following commonplace procedures. He appeared with authorized illustration and voluntarily gave a written and videotaped sworn assertion, which is now a part of the case file.
“All the pieces was performed by the guide. His assertion was made within the presence of his lawyer, and it’s on report—each in writing and on video. When the time comes, this proof will probably be offered in courtroom,” Coleman assured.
In an extra replace on the broader case, IG Coleman revealed that the LNP has initiated efforts to escalate worldwide cooperation. He has instructed the Deputy Inspector Basic for Crime Companies and Intelligence to improve the Interpol diffusion notices for suspects nonetheless at massive to Crimson Notices.
“This case is earlier than the courtroom, however we’re nonetheless pursuing different suspects. As soon as we obtain suggestions from Interpol, these Crimson Notices will probably be formally printed and shared with world legislation enforcement companions to make sure extradition and prosecution,” he mentioned.
IG Coleman concluded by reaffirming the Liberia Nationwide Police’s dedication to the rule of legislation, transparency, and due course of.
“We stay resolute in our mission. Nobody will probably be pressured, bribed, or coerced to supply false testimony. This matter is within the fingers of the courts, and justice will take its course.
The Inspector Basic then opened the ground for media questions and thanked the general public for his or her continued curiosity in making certain accountability and justice.
