By: James Kollie
LOFA COUNTY – The Strategy Planner for the Citizens’ Actions Committee, Rev. James T. Koiba, has announced plans to disrupt normal activities this week in demand for justice regarding the mysterious death of 19-year-old Yakpawolo Moisema.
Moisema was reported to have committed suicide in a police holding cell. Following this discovery, the Liberia National Police, through its Professional Standards Division (PSD), launched an investigation that led to the suspension of four officers involved in the preliminary investigation. Moisema had been held as a suspect in a murder case.
Citizens of Voinjama District, particularly residents of Duogomai Town, described the suspension of the officers as insufficient and demanded a scientific investigation to establish the true cause of death.
The government of Liberia subsequently hired pathologist Benedict Colee to conduct an autopsy. His findings revealed that Moisema did not die from hanging but suggested he may have been killed by someone else.
Since the release of the autopsy results, the Citizens’ Actions Committee has intensified calls for justice, urging authorities in Lofa County to arrest and prosecute the police officers who were on duty at the time of Moisema’s death.
Despite repeated appeals, the matter has yet to reach the courts.
In response, Rev. Koiba announced that the Citizens’ Actions Committee will stage a protest, beginning Thursday.
He disclosed that there will be no market in John’s Town on Thursday, while on Friday all markets, schools, and shops in Voinjama City will remain closed. Additionally, motorcyclists will be barred from operating on the city’s streets.
How the Moisema Case Began
Yakpawolo Moisema was arrested along with three others in January of this year following the discovery of the body of 40-year-old Monyongor Keleko in Duogomai Town, Voinjama District. The four were detained as suspects linked to her death.
After two days of questioning, Moisema was transferred from the Monrovia Highway Police Station to the newly constructed Voinjama Police Station.
Police said the move was intended to separate him from the other suspects and prevent collusion. It was at the new station that he was later reported to have hanged himself.
His remains have been at the Telewoyan Memorial Hospital since January 6. Meanwhile, those convicted in the murder of Monyongor Keleko have already been sentenced.
