Monrovia, Liberia – Public reactions to the arrest of six people by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in relation to the violent death of a suspected motorbike criminal have been conflicting.
The arrests followed the emergence of a viral video showing the alleged mob violence, which quickly circulated across social media platforms.
According to police sources, the suspects were taken into custody after investigators identified them in the video.
The video, which shows a group of individuals attacking the victim prior to his demise, has garnered widespread attention and rekindled discussion about Liberia’s escalating mob justice problem.
The LNP affirmed that the footage is still being carefully examined as investigators look for further suspects who may have been involved in the crime.
According to the police, they are trying to make sure that everyone who violates the law is held accountable.
The LNP strongly condemned mob violence in a statement released on Monday, cautioning that such actions compromise the rule of law and may result in the deaths of innocent people. According to the police statement, “We understand the public’s frustration with rising criminal activities, but no one has the legal right to take the law into their own hands.”
The statement also emphasized that all suspects have the right to due process, regardless of the offense they are charged with.
According to police officials, the six people who were arrested are being kept for questioning and will face charges based on the investigation’s conclusions.
However, many folks, especially motorcycle riders and locals, have not been happy with the police’s prompt action.
Speaking to our correspondent in Monrovia on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, some residents criticized the LNP for focusing more on apprehending mob suspects than on combating criminal groups and armed robbers who were purportedly pretending as motorbike riders or motorbike criminals.
According to a number of residents who spoke with our reporter, the police are acting unfairly.
“The police do nothing while these same motorcycling rogues murder people every day, jerk people’s bags, or even injure them. They come and arrest us now when the community takes a stand to protect themselves, that is not justice.”
Similar opinions were expressed by others, who stated that communities had been compelled to act independently due to the police’s incapacity to defend residents against frequent attacks.
According to a commercial biker at Barnersville Junction, “people are tired of being robbed and stabbed by criminals. If the police were doing their job, this would not happen.”
Despite the public outrage, human rights advocates have praised the LNP for taking a firm stance against mob justice.
According to them, allowing such acts to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent that could further erode law and order in the country.
“Mob justice is never a solution. While we understand the fear and anger among citizens, violence only breeds more violence. The police must ensure that justice is pursued within the framework of the law, said a representative of the Independent Human Rights Commission.”
As investigations and arrest continue, the LNP has called on citizens to cooperate by providing information that could lead to the arrest of other individuals involved in the killing.
Additionally, police have issued a warning that anyone caught engaging in mob activity, regardless of their motivation, will be prosecuted.
The incident also brings to light Liberia’s developing conflict between public safety and justice.
Authorities maintain that due process must be followed in order to keep the nation from devolving into lawlessness, even as citizens call for more aggressive police response to the rising crime rate.
In order to restore public trust and guarantee that justice is administered equitably to both the accused and victims of crime, citizens feel the government may need to implement more community policing programs if this trend persists.
Reported by: Prince Saah
