01/08/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 1, 2025
Contact: Press and Public Affairs Division
Liberia National Police Headquarters
LNP Releases Official Findings on July 22 Incident Involving Zainab Bah and
Ibrahim Jalloh.
Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for being here today, and to all those watching or listening to this press statement, we sincerely appreciate your time and attention. We are here to present the official findings and actions taken by the Liberia National Police following a recent incident that has drawn national attention and public concern.
The Liberia National Police has concluded its investigation into the July 22, 2025, incident involving Madam Zainab Bah and Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh in the Newport Street Community, Central Monrovia. The incident, which occurred during a lawful power theft inspection by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), has sparked significant public attention and concern, particularly following a viral video depicting a physical encounter between officers and Madam Bah.
As part of our commitment to transparency and professional policing, the LNP provides the investigative findings, and resulting legal actions.
Key Findings of the Investigation
Following a comprehensive review, the LNP's Professional Standards Department established the following:
1. The arrest of Madam Zainab Bah was lawful. She was non-compliant and engaged in acts of aggression towards the officers, including throwing a bench and wasting hot soup at them, both considered criminal offenses. While initial restraint was justified, Madam Bah later de-escalated to passive resistance. At that point, officers were expected to prioritize de-escalation. Officer Alice M. Tokpah's decision to forcibly remove the child without seeking alternative means was inappropriate and showed disregard for the child's safety.
1. The removal of Madam Bah's head covering/hijab was unnecessary.
2. Officers and LEC personnel failed to accommodate Madam Bah's language barrier. No effort was made to communicate through her husband or a translator, which could have prevented escalation.
3. Officer Tokpah's actions constitute "Unsatisfactory Conduct" and�"Unsatisfactory Performance" under the LNP Administrative Instruction on Discipline and Professional Standards.
4. Madam Bah did not report any physical injuries during her interview, nor did her representatives.
Legal Charges Filed
Madam Zainab Bah has been formally charged with the crimes of Simple Assault, for throwing a bench and splashing hot soup; Preventing Arrest or Discharge of Official Duties, in violation of Chapter 12, Subchapter E, Section 12.2 of the Penal Law of Liberia; and Disorderly Conduct, under Chapter 14, Section 14.21 of the same law.
These offenses are considered violations of the Revised Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia and are currently pending trial before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Mr. Ibrahim Jalloh has been formally charged with Power Theft, in violation of Chapter 15, Section 15.81 and the amended Section 15.88, paragraph 5C of the Penal Law of Liberia.
He is accused of tampering with LEC meters and bypassing billing mechanisms in an attempt to evade lawful payment for electricity services. This offense is a criminal violation under Liberian law and is pending trial before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Administrative Actions
Officer Alice Tokpah has been suspended for one month without pay for misconduct during the arrest of Madam Zainab Bah. Her actions included the unjustified removal of Madam Bah's head covering and the use of excessive physical handling during a phase when the subject had transitioned to passive resistance.
In contrast, Officer Prince W. Chebo has been fully exonerated, as his conduct during the incident was found to be lawful.
Conclusion:
We thank the public for its patience and cooperation during this investigation.
The Liberia National Police remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Appropriate actions have been taken in line with the law, and we reaffirm our dedication to protecting the rights of all citizens and strengthening public trust through responsible and respectful policing.
Signed:
Press and Public Affairs Division
Liberia National Police
