LCBA Condemns Acts of Lawlessness in Lofa and Calls for Transparent Investigation

The Lofa County Bar Association (LCBA) says it condemns the recent acts of violence in Dugomai Town, Lofa County in which houses, including the Magisterial Court and Police Station in John Town, were set ablaze by unidentified individuals.

The LCBA has also called on the government to launch a swift and impartial investigation into the violence act and bring perpetrators to book.  “In response to these troubling events, the LCBA demands a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation into the following:

• The alleged murder of Ms. Moyoungor Keleko, particularly in light of the coroner’s report indicating foul play;
• The arson attacks in Duogomai Town;
• The burning of the Magisterial Court and Police Station in John’s Town; and
• The alleged suicide of little Yarkpowolo Moisema while in Police detention as a person of interest”, the statement by LCBA said.  

The LCBA says it commends the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the joint security forces of Lofa County, and all stakeholders for their efforts in bringing the situation under control as investigations proceed.

The LCBA emphasizes the importance of upholding the rule of law, adding, taking matters into one’s hands only escalates tensions and undermines the justice system.

To address these challenges, the LCBA said it intend to expand its ongoing Legal Education Program across Lofa County. This initiative, the legal group noted, seeks to educate the public on the importance of legal processes and discourage acts of self-help by aggrieved individuals.

The LCBA says it remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in Lofa County. It noted that vandalism and violence have no place in a lawful and civilized society, and urged the Liberia National Police to launch a comprehensive investigation and ensure that those involved are held accountable.

Meanwhile, LCBA has extended sympathies to the families of the late Ms. Moyoungor Keleko and little Yarkpolo Moisema, the 17-year-old who allegedly committed suicide while in the police cell, and urge them, along with all aggrieved citizens, to remain calm during this difficult time.

The LCBA’s statement comes in the wake of reports of the murder of Ms. Moyoungor Keleko, believed to be in her late 40s. Her death led to the burning of houses in Duogomai Town by unidentified individuals. Reports indicate that a person of interest who had been cooperating with authorities and providing valuable information to investigators has allegedly committed suicide in prison.