NATIONAL NEWS
Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged and forwarded to court Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of the civil society organization STAND, andRev. Festus R. B. Logan, its Deputy Chairman, following investigations into violent incidents linked to the December 17, 2025 protest in Monrovia.
According to a police charge sheet issued under the authority of the Ministry of Justice, Morlu and Logan face multiple criminal counts, including Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Conspiracy, Rioting, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstructing Highways and Other Public Passages, in violation of Chapters 10 and 17 of Liberia’s Revised Penal Law.
By: Staff Writer
Investigators also cited allegations of Simple Assault, Criminal Mischief, Robbery, and Theft of Property.
Police described Morlu as the “ring leader” and Logan as the “deputy ring leader,” claiming that the two organized and led the protest under the slogan “LEAD OR LEAVE! (Enough is Enough).”
The demonstration reportedly began peacefully, with participants marching from STAND’s Congo Town office under police escort to areas near the University of Liberia, the Capitol Building, and the Executive Mansion.
Authorities said the situation escalated when protesters refused police orders to clear the streets, obstructed major roadways, and insisted that President Joseph N. Boakai personally receive their petition. Law enforcement later intervened to disperse the crowd.
The LNP charge sheet alleges that some demonstrators fled into nearby communities, including Jallah Town, where acts of violence occurred. Incidents cited include attacks on government vehicles belonging to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and the National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA), resulting in shattered windshields, injuries, and extensive property damage.
Police also claimed that FIA employees were assaulted and robbed of mobile phones, cash, and official checks—including salary and domestic travel checks valued in millions of Liberian dollars and thousands of U.S. dollars, raising serious security concerns.
Although Morlu and Logan have denied being present in Jallah Town during the alleged incidents, police stated that multiple witnesses and victims identified Morlu at the scene and among those involved in the violence.
Following what authorities described as a comprehensive investigation, the LNP concluded that sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the defendants. The case has been forwarded to court, while other suspects linked to the protest-related violence have been charged in absentia.
The charge sheet was signed by CIP Madison J. Larmie, Chief of the Special Investigation Unit; Superintendent Charles B. Masah, Jr., Chief of the Police Complaints Unit; and Chief Superintendent Varney G. Samah, Chief of the General Investigation Unit. Court proceedings are expected to commence pending the judge’s disposition.
