Deputy Police Director Rains Death Threats on Motorcyclists: "Get Ready to Bury More Cyclists"!

IN PHOTO: Nelson Freeman, Gregory Coleman, Motorcyclists

Police brutality has become an alarming trend in Liberia, with recent incidents in 2024 and 2025 depicting a pattern of excessive force and human rights violations by law enforcement. A peaceful protest in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, turned violent in March 2024 when police reportedly used live ammunition against demonstrators. At least three protesters were killed, including 17-year-old Abraham Kamara and 21-year-old Bangalie Kamara. Several others were injured in the incident.

Later in December during the "White Tuesday" demonstration in Monrovia, police again clashed with peaceful protesters, deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. Constitutional lawyer Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull and Representative Luther Collins were among those affected by the tear gas and baton, with Collins reportedly hospitalized after being struck by a police baton. The police arrested about 70 protesters including Former Presidential Aide Sekou Kalasco during this incident, validating how police have been abusing power against peaceful citizens. This violated Article 17 of the Liberian constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble and petition"9.

The latest episode comes from the highest echelons of the police force itself, as Deputy Police Director for Operations, Cllr. Nelson Freeman allegedly made chilling threats against motorcyclists.

Freeman stated verbatim: "You will start burying... get ready to bury more cyclists," igniting fears and raising serious questions about the abuse of power within Liberia's law enforcement ranks3. This incendiary remark, reportedly made on March 17, 2025, during a gathering of motorcyclists at the Temple of Justice, has exacerbated already tense relations between police and the motorcycle community. Nelson Freeman has a reported record of Police brutality against civilians. He is accused of being one of those who killed Partisans of the Congress of Democratic Change (CDC) at their party headquarters on November 7, 2011.

Inspector General of Police Gregory O. W. Coleman seemingly endorsed Freeman's threats, declaring himself "in charge of this state" and vowing to do "anything and everything humanly possible" to enforce movement restrictions on motorcyclists3. These alarming threats from Liberia's top law enforcement officials are concerning and should not be taken for granted.

The Supreme Motorcycle Transport Union of Liberia (SUMTUL Inc.) has responded to Freeman's alleged threats with grave concern, condemning the remarks as a dangerous intimidation against over 250,000 motorcycles and Keke riders3. SUMTUL Vice President for Riders' Welfare, George G. Williams Sr., expressed deep worry about the safety of riders under Coleman's leadership, urging members to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations with police.

As Liberia thrives with economic challenges and social constraints, the apparent willingness of police leadership to resort to threats of violence against citizens they have sworn to protect is unimaginable. This authoritarian overreach not only violates constitutional rights to peaceful assembly but also further undermines faith in law enforcement institutions.

As economic hardships mount and allegations of police harassment persist, the eyes of Liberians are fixed on seeing more responsible leadership from the Liberian National Police. Their commitment to the rule of law in handling this delicate issue that borders on the livelihoods of over 100,000 commercial riders is crucial. The way this situation is handled will not only shape the relationship between ordinary Liberians and law enforcement officers but also set a precedent for how Liberia addresses complex socio-economic challenges in the years to come.

_________________________________________________________________

Get Involved

Do you have additional facts to add to this insight or an opinion you would like to express?

Email Us

analysis@insightsliberia.com