Police Send Red Light Market Thugs to Court

By Kruah Thompson

MONROVIA, May 13, 2026—The Liberia National Police (LNP) says it has charged and forwarded to court ten individuals linked to the mob assault on a young woman at the Red-Light Market here.

The attack occurred on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after videos circulated online showing the victim being stripped naked and subjected to public humiliation—reportedly over the outfit she wore to the market.

The footage drew widespread condemnation nationwide, prompting political leaders, civil society organizations, and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to denounce the violence and demand the immediate arrest of those responsible.

In a statement, the police described the act as “unlawful, degrading, and inhumane,” and announced that an investigation was immediately launched.

Police say investigators gathered video evidence, took witness statements, and reviewed other relevant information, leading to the formal charging of ten suspects.

The victim

At Tuesday’s regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando read the police statement naming the defendants as Shelton Dolo, Emmanuel Flomo, Abel C. Dandy, Ernest Koiyan, Lincoln Sungbeh, Prince Saykay, Daddy Stephen, Emmanuel Dee, Joe Roberts and Eric Gbokolo.

According to the statement, the suspects face multiple counts, including harassment, sexual assault, disorderly conduct, simple assault, felonious restraint, recklessly endangering another person, and offensive touching.

Police say the defendants have been forwarded to court for prosecution, while warning that additional suspects could be charged as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the LNP is calling on communities, youth groups, religious institutions, and civil society organizations to reject mob violence and uphold respect for human dignity and the rule of law.