Claim: A viral press release purported to be from the Executive Mansion claims President Boakai has suspended the head of the police.
Verdict: False. The presidential press secretary says the president did not suspend the police boss and the release is “fake.”
Full Text
Following the recent dismissal of a senior Liberia National Police (LNP) officer over an illegal drug investigation, a viral press statement claims the head of the police has also been suspended.
The release, posted by Dorris Pyne, on the online page of the Costa Show says President Joseph Boakai suspended police Inspector General Gregory Coleman due to serious allegations of misconduct and erosion of public trust.
It states the police chief’s suspension is without pay, pending the outcome of an investigation.
As of the time of this publication, Dorris’ post had about 645 reactions, 258 comments and 95 shares.
DUBAWA verified the authenticity of the viral statement due to its potential to mislead.
Verification
DUBAWA contacted Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana to verify the press statement.
In response, Fofana said, “The statement is not from my office, and we do not write our press releases like that.”
She said at no time did President Boakai take any such action on the police inspector general or authorise the issuance of such a statement.
The press secretary also referenced DUBAWA to a post her office did, debunking the release.
Conclusion
The viral press statement claiming President Boakai has suspended the Inspector General of the police is false.