MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) held a press conference today to unveil the findings of their investigation into the July 22 incident involving Madam Zainab Bah and Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh in the Newport Street Community, a situation that has captured significant public attention following the circulation of a viral video showing a confrontation between police officers and Madam Bah.
At the center of the incident was a lawful inspection for power theft conducted by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). The LNP has taken steps to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case, asserting its commitment to transparency and professional policing.
Following an extensive probe led by the LNP’s Professional Standards Department, several key conclusions were drawn:
Lawfulness of Arrest: The LNP affirmed that the arrest of Madam Bah was lawful. It was reported that she exhibited aggression towards officers, including throwing a bench and splashing hot soup at them, acts which are deemed criminal offenses.
De-Escalation Lapses: While initial responses by officers were characterized as justified, it was noted that Madam Bah transitioned to passive resistance. At this juncture, officers were criticized for their failure to prioritize de-escalation.
Notably, Officer Alice M. Tokpah was highlighted for her decision to forcibly remove a child involved, which was deemed inappropriate and unsafe.
Cultural Sensitivity Issues: The investigation found that officers did not accommodate Madam Bah’s language barrier, as no attempts were made to communicate via her husband or through a translator—a move that may have mitigated the escalation of tensions.
Unnecessary Actions: The report criticized Officer Tokpah’s unnecessary removal of Madam Bah’s head covering, marking it as a violation of protocol.
Self-Reported Injuries: It was established that Madam Bah did not report any physical injuries during her interviews.
In light of the findings, Madam Bah faces formal charges including Simple Assault for her actions towards the officers, as well as Preventing Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. These charges will be addressed in a court of law.
Police Spokesperson Cecelia Clarke confirmed that Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh is charged with Power Theft for allegedly tampering with LEC meters and attempting to evade payments, with legal proceedings also forthcoming.
In response to the investigation’s findings, Officer Alice Tokpah has been suspended without pay for one month due to her misconduct during the arrest. Conversely, Officer Prince W. Chebo has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
The LNP expressed gratitude to the public for their patience during the investigation process. The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining accountability and professionalism in its operations, aiming to bolster public trust through fair and respectful policing practices. As the community reflects on these findings, the LNP emphasized its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, reinforcing its mission to foster a safer Liberia.
