The Liberia National Police (LNP) took swift action against two of its officers, Patrolmen Edwin T. Ceasar and Stephen B. Wanawon, following their involvement in an alleged theft during a demolition exercise at the former headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town. The incident, which occurred on August 23, 2025, was captured on live camera, showing the officers taking items that appeared to be human hair but were later identified as t-shirts. Upon realizing they were being filmed, the officers reportedly returned the items to the ground. This act of petty theft, seemingly opportunistic and driven by the chaos of the demolition, quickly escalated into a serious breach of professional conduct for the officers involved.
The LNP, under the leadership of Inspector General Gregory Coleman, initiated a thorough internal administrative investigation through its Professional Standards Department. The investigation confirmed the officers’ involvement in the theft, leading to their dismissal from the police force. The official statement released by the LNP via its Facebook page cited “criminal misconduct, abuse of authority, and unsatisfactory conduct” as the grounds for their dismissal. This decisive action underscored the LNP’s commitment to upholding its internal disciplinary standards and demonstrating accountability to the public. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and ethical conduct within law enforcement agencies, especially during sensitive operations like evictions.
The officers’ actions were deemed to be in direct violation of the Liberia National Police administrative instructions on discipline and the professional standards outlined in the LNP Discipline Regulations of 2016. These regulations are designed to guide officer conduct and maintain the integrity of the police force. By taking swift and decisive action against the offending officers, the LNP aimed to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated within its ranks. This commitment to internal accountability is crucial for building and maintaining public trust in the police force.
Beyond the internal disciplinary measures, the dismissed officers, Ceasar and Wanawon, were handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and possible prosecution. This signifies that the LNP was not only addressing the internal disciplinary matters but also pursuing the legal ramifications of the officers’ actions. While the value of the stolen t-shirts may seem insignificant, the act itself represented a breach of trust and an abuse of authority, warranting a comprehensive investigation by the appropriate authorities.
This incident highlights the potential for misconduct even within seemingly minor events and emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The public nature of the incident, captured on live camera and widely disseminated via social media, amplified the need for a transparent and robust response from the LNP. By swiftly dismissing the officers and referring them for criminal investigation, the LNP demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the force and upholding the law, regardless of the rank or position of the individuals involved.
The case of the dismissed officers serves as a valuable lesson for law enforcement agencies worldwide, underscoring the importance of robust internal disciplinary mechanisms and the necessity of holding officers accountable for their actions. Furthermore, it demonstrates the power of citizen journalism and social media in exposing misconduct and demanding accountability from public institutions. The LNP’s response, while focused on this specific incident, has broader implications for police conduct and public trust in Liberia, setting a precedent for future cases and potentially contributing to a more accountable and transparent police force.
