By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
VOINJAMA, Liberia – Questions are mounting over the suspicious death of 19-year-old Yarkpawolo Moisemai, a murder suspect who allegedly committed suicide in a police holding cell on January 6, 2025. Police claim Moisemai used his shirt to hang himself, but conflicting evidence and growing public outrage have sparked violent protests across Lofa County.
Moisemai, arrested on December 31, 2024, along with four others for his alleged involvement in the killing of a woman in Dogomai Town, was reportedly transferred to the central police station for his safety after cooperating with investigators. County Police Commander ACP Bob Jackson explained that the transfer was meant to protect him from threats posed by his co-detainees. “We moved him to ensure his safety, but sadly, he was found unconscious in his cell and later pronounced dead at Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital,” Jackson said.
However, discrepancies in police accounts and photographic evidence are fueling suspicions of foul play. While police stated that Moisemai used his shirt to hang himself, eyewitnesses and photos suggest he was found hanging with a black material, believed to be a separate piece of clothing not accounted for in police reports. These contradictions have only deepened mistrust among citizens, with many accusing the authorities of negligence or cover-up.
The fallout has been immediate and chaotic. In John’s Town, a local court building was set ablaze by angry protesters demanding accountability and justice for Moisemai. Meanwhile, in Voinjama, citizens have taken to the streets in large numbers, blocking roads and calling for an independent investigation.
Civil society organizations and local officials have appealed for calm, urging residents to allow investigations to proceed. “We understand the public’s frustration, but peace must prevail as we work to uncover the truth,” a statement from a coalition of local leaders said.
Moisemai’s death not only raises questions about his treatment in custody but also highlights deeper concerns about police practices and accountability in Liberia. As investigations continue, the case is fast becoming a flashpoint for wider tensions in Lofa County, with citizens demanding answers to one pressing question: did Yarkpawolo Moisemai truly commit suicide, or is there more to the story?
Stay tuned for updates as this controversial case unfolds.
