The death of 19-year-old Yarkpawolo Moisema in a Liberian police holding cell, initially reported as a suicide by hanging, has been confirmed as unnatural by an official autopsy report. This revelation has ignited a wave of public outcry and prompted a renewed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Moisema, along with four others, was arrested on December 31, 2024, in connection with the murder of a woman known as Keleko in Dogomai Town, Lofa County. Just a week later, on January 6, 2025, he was found dead in his cell, allegedly hanging from the coat he was wearing at the time of his arrest. This narrative, however, has been challenged by the recent autopsy findings.
The autopsy, performed on March 22, 2025, by state pathologist Dr. Benedict Kolee at the Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital in Voinjama, concluded that Moisema’s death was not consistent with suicide by hanging. This determination was made in the presence of Moisema’s family members and representatives from various law enforcement agencies. The family had previously expressed strong doubts about the official police account and had persistently demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. Their calls for justice, along with mounting public pressure, ultimately led to the autopsy and the subsequent revelation.
Following the release of the autopsy report, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando announced the launch of an immediate investigation by the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry has committed to keeping the public informed about the progress of the investigation. This new inquiry seeks to uncover the true cause of Moisema’s death and hold those responsible accountable. The initial police narrative, which portrayed the death as a suicide, has now been definitively refuted by the medical evidence.
The events leading up to Moisema’s death are shrouded in inconsistencies. According to reports, Lofa County Police Commander ACP Bob Jackson stated that Moisema was transferred from the police depot to the central police station for his own protection. Jackson claimed that Moisema was providing sensitive information related to Keleko’s murder, and the transfer was deemed necessary to safeguard him from his fellow suspects. This explanation, however, raises further questions about the security protocols within the police station and the circumstances that led to Moisema’s death while supposedly under protective custody.
The aftermath of Moisema’s death saw significant repercussions within the Lofa County Police Department. On February 17, 2025, the Liberia National Police (LNP) announced a sweeping overhaul of the command structure. ACP Bob L. Jackson and CIP Stephen T. Yawoe were suspended for three months without pay, while Inspector Saah Bundor and Sergeant Selekie Tawalay received two-month suspensions without pay. Detective Francis Duo and Patrolman Amilton F. Kollie were exonerated. This reshuffling indicates a recognition of potential failings within the police department, although the specific reasons for the disciplinary actions have not been publicly disclosed.
The news of Moisema’s death and the subsequent autopsy findings sparked protests and roadblocks in Voinjama, particularly in Dogomai Town, Moisema’s hometown. Citizens expressed their outrage at the perceived injustice and demanded accountability. Civil society organizations and police authorities appealed for calm while the investigation proceeds. The three remaining suspects in Keleko’s murder – Lamine Flomo, Emmanuel Flomo, and Aaron Kollie – have been formally charged and are currently awaiting trial at the Voinjama Central Prison. The case has become a focal point for concerns about police conduct, due process, and the need for transparency in investigating deaths in custody. The unfolding investigation holds the potential to reveal critical details about the events leading to Moisema’s death and to shed light on the broader issues of accountability within the Liberian justice system.
