-Rep. Kolubah Reacts to Forcible Break-In of His Vehicle Under Rep. Koon’s Instruction
By Jerromie S. Walters
Tensions within Liberia’s House of Representatives reached a boiling point on Tuesday when officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) forcibly broke into a vehicle belonging to Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah. The incident, which occurred on the grounds of the Capitol Building, was carried out under the instruction of Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, further escalating the ongoing political feud between the two lawmakers.
According to Representative Kolubah, his vehicle contained $25,000 USD, 2 million Liberian dollars (LRD), a Dell laptop, and an iPhone, all of which he claims are now missing following the break-in. The lawmaker has vowed to take retaliatory action against Representative Koon if he does not receive proper redress from the Liberia National Police.
“My car was burst into by Richard Koon. If I go to court and can’t get redress to recover all my missing items, I will burst Richard Koon’s car. If I don’t do it, my mother and my wife will,” Kolubah declared in an emotional statement.
The incident has sparked outrage among other lawmakers, with Montserrado County District #17 Representative Dixon Seboe describing the situation as “far below the belt” and reflective of the current state of the country. “This is the country we have got,” Seboe lamented.
The Break-In
The altercation began when Representative Koon, who leads the House’s Majority Bloc, instructed the removal of Kolubah’s vehicle from a parking space traditionally reserved for the Speaker. Kolubah’s vehicle was parked in the slot, prompting Koon to call in LNP officers to forcibly remove it.
Eyewitnesses reported that an unidentified individual used a drill to break into Kolubah’s vehicle while LNP officers stood guard. Once the door was breached, an officer entered the vehicle and attempted to release the handbrake to facilitate its removal. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the vehicle was later towed from the premises.
Many Liberians have criticized the manner in which the situation was handled, arguing that towing the vehicle would have been a more appropriate and less confrontational solution. The incident has further deepened the political rift between Kolubah and Koon, whose election as Speaker on November 21, 2024, has been mired in controversy. Kolubah and several other lawmakers have refused to recognize Koon’s speakership, alleging that his election was fraudulent and violated constitutional procedures.
Police Officers Recalled for Investigation
In the wake of the incident, the two Police Support Unit (PSU) officers assigned to the Capitol Building—Sergeant Sam C. F. Karbor and Chief Inspector of Police Frank P. Banda—have been recalled and are currently undergoing investigation at the LNP’s Professional Standards Division. The recall underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential misuse of police authority in what appears to be a politically charged dispute.
A Broader Context of Political Tensions
The break-in incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Kolubah and Koon, highlighting the deep divisions within Liberia’s House of Representatives. Kolubah, known for his outspoken criticism of the current leadership, has repeatedly challenged Koon’s authority, accusing him of undermining democratic processes and failing to uphold the rule of law.
As the investigation into the missing items and the actions of the LNP officers unfolds, many Liberians are calling for accountability and transparency. The incident has raised questions about the use of state resources to settle personal and political scores, further eroding public trust in the country’s political institutions.
What’s Next?
Representative Kolubah has vowed to pursue legal action to recover his missing belongings and hold those responsible accountable.
