MONROVIA, Montserrado – The Liberia National Police on Thursday escorted its Turtle Base Depot commander to the Monrovia City Court for allegedly shooting a motorcyclist to death in Paynesville.
Roosevelt Dehmie was charged with murder after he allegedly shot Beyan Lamin during a scuffle to arrest him for allegedly violating a 10:00 p.m. curfew restriction on commercial motorcycling.
Dehmie told the judge of the court, Kennedy Peabody, that he would be represented during his trial by a team of lawyers. His lawyers, however, were not present during his presentation to the court.
Peabody ordered the defendant to be incarcerated at the Monrovia Central Prison until his trial. Murder is a felonious offense and is not bailable under Liberia laws.
Meanwhile, Police Inspector General Patrick Sudue has announced that the defendant would be immediately suspended from the service to allow him to face his trial.
Sudue said further actions against the officer would be determined by the outcome of the trial.
“If he is guilty, we will disrobe him from the police. But if the court says he is not guilty, we will reinstate him in accordance with the new law of the police,†he said.
The inspector general also announced his commitment to the respect of laws and human rights, adding that drastic measures would be taken against officers who violate the rights of civilians.
He earlier condemned the killing of the motorcyclist and assured the public of the police commitment in ensuring a fair investigation.
Featured photo courtesy of Fabine Kwiah
