By: James Kollie
LOFA COUNTY – The Ministry of Justice has released the long-awaited autopsy results of 19-year-old Yarkpawolo Moisema, who was found hanging in a police holding cell in Voinjama City earlier this year.
Moisema had been in custody at the Voinjama Police Headquarters as part of an ongoing investigation when his body was discovered.
Why Was Moisema Arrested?
Moisema was arrested after the body of 40-year-old Monyongor Keleko was found on December 31, 2024, in Duoworgoma Town, Voinjama District.
Following the discovery, the Liberia National Police (LNP) launched an investigation and arrested four individuals, including Moisema, as persons of interest.
On January 3, 2025, Moisema and the other suspects were taken into custody for questioning at the Voinjama Police Station. He was later transferred to a different facility in the New Voinjama community.
Why Was Moisema Transferred?
According to investigators, Moisema had begun cooperating with police and providing information that could help identify Keleko’s killers.
He also expressed concerns for his safety, reportedly stating, “If I say the truth here, they will kill me.” Though he did not specify who he feared, police took his concerns seriously.
To protect him from possible retaliation or coercion, the Crime Services Division decided to move Moisema to a separate holding cell in New Voinjama.
However, on the night of January 6, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Moisema was found hanging in his cell. Medical personnel were called and later declared him dead.
His body was transferred to the Telewoyan Hospital morgue that same night.
Public Outrage and Violence
News of Moisema’s suspicious death triggered outrage among citizens of Duoworgoma, who accused police of foul play.
In protest, demonstrators set fire to the Voinjama Police Station and the Magistrate’s Court in John’s Town, demanding accountability and justice.
Police Investigation and Personnel Changes
In response to public pressure, the Liberia National Police announced a series of disciplinary actions on February 17, 2025. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bob Jackson and Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Stephen T. Yawoe were removed from their posts, with Yawoe suspended for three months without pay while Inspectors Saah Bundor and Sergeant Selekie Tawalay received two-month suspensions.
Detective Francis Duo and Patrolman Amilton F. Kollie were cleared of any wrongdoing while ACP Tarnue Kekula was appointed as the new Lofa County Police Commander.
What Prompted the Autopsy?
Despite the personnel changes, Moisema’s family and the Citizens Action Committee—a local advocacy group focused on suspicious deaths in Lofa County—criticized the actions as insufficient. They demanded criminal charges and called for an independent autopsy to determine the true cause of death.
In response, the government commissioned an autopsy by Dr. Benedict Colee, an independent pathologist. The results, released on May 24, 2025, concluded that Moisema did not die of natural causes and suggested that foul play was involved.
Community Reactions
The release of the autopsy results has reignited public concern and debate, with citizens demanding transparency and a full investigation into the circumstances of Moisema’s death.
Many continue to call for the prosecution of those found responsible.
