– Pres. Boakai Calls For Investigation into Mysterious Deaths One Year Later
By Jerromie S. Walters
In what some saw as a move to address the lingering questions surrounding unresolved cases of mysterious deaths in Liberia, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced in March 2024 the launch of a comprehensive investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP). The probe, Coleman revealed, would have revisited high-profile cases such as the deaths of Odell Sherman, Princess Cooper, and several auditors, all of which have remained under intense public scrutiny.
Despite Coleman’s assurances of progress through a newly established “Case e-file unit,” the status of these investigations remains unclear. About a year later, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai issued a directive for a full-scale investigation into unresolved cases of mysterious deaths, including the disappearance of several boys, the deaths of auditors, and other cases of national concern.
“The Liberian people deserve answers,” President Boakai declared. “No case will be ignored as we will bring closure to these tragedies and ensure justice is served,” he said during a cabinet meeting on Monday.
The President instructed law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigations, collaborate with international partners if necessary, and provide regular updates to the public. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency and vowed to combat impunity.
However, skepticism looms among pundits and citizens alike. Many question the genuineness of the mandate and the lack of coordination, especially since Coleman’s investigation was announced a year ago with little visible progress.
Growing List of Mysterious Deaths
The urgency of the President’s directive is underscored by a recent spate of mysterious and violent deaths that have shaken the nation. Richard Gaye Gramie, a commercial motorcyclist missing for two weeks, was found dead under crushed rocks near Zokeseh Public School in Ganta City, Nimba County.
Last week, the body of a young man was discovered in a drainage near the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
In January, the brutal murder of 8-year-old Siah John sent shockwaves through the community. Her body, bearing multiple injuries and signs of mutilation, was found in an unfinished building behind Kintoma Hill.
A 14-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in Brewerville over a dispute involving change. In Voinjama City, a 45-year-old woman known as “Yarmah” was found mutilated under mysterious circumstances. Angel T. Weah, a pregnant teenager, was murdered in Brewerville, with her boyfriend confessing to the crime and implicating accomplices.
These incidents add to a growing list of violent and unresolved cases that have plagued Liberia in recent months, raising fears of a disturbing pattern of violence.
Institutional Failures and Public Outrage
The violence has not spared families or institutions. In Paynesville, a Liberian woman killed her three-year-old daughter, while local businessman Hassan Jalloh was allegedly murdered by members of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Redlight. Despite widespread outrage, no prosecutions have been made in Jalloh’s case.
Adding to the grim tally, a 19-year-old murder suspect was found dead in a local police cell under suspicious circumstances, raising serious questions about the safety and accountability of law enforcement institutions.
A Legacy of Unresolved Cases
The current wave of mysterious deaths reflects a troubling pattern from the previous administration of ex-President George Weah. During his six-year tenure, Liberia witnessed a series of high-profile deaths that remain unresolved, including: John Hilary Tubman, son of former President Tubman. Rev. William R. Tolbert III, son of former President Tolbert, and Matthew Innis of the Central Bank.
Others are: Kollie Ballah, a driver at the Central Bank, Maude Elliot of the Immigration Service, Emmanuel Barten Nyesuah, head of the Internal Audit Agency, Gifty Asmah Lama, Albert Peters, and George Fanbutu, auditors of the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and Alexander Yeahnur in River Gee County.
More to the above are: Eliza Robert in Maryland, Madam Hawa in Cape Mount, Mulbah Kunyon in Cape Mount, and Odell Sherman and Princess Cooper of Island Clinic.
These cases have long captivated public attention, with many Liberians criticizing the Weah administration for its perceived inaction and lack of impartiality in investigations.
Since the leadership at the LNP, Inspector General Coleman pledged to revisit these cases to provide answers and ensure justice, the public remains wary, given the lack of progress. Surprisingly, President Boakai has issued a directive to probe cases that according to the Police IG are already under investigation.
