In the wake of a controversial incident involving a Fula woman and officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), prominent Islamic scholar and legal practitioner, Atty. Mohammed El-Dust Fahnbulleh, has issued a strongly worded statement urging Liberians — particularly members of the Muslim community — to prioritize truth, justice, and peaceful coexistence over political opportunism.
The incident, which went viral on social media, shows a confrontation between a female member of the Fula ethnic group and LNP officers. Edited video footage sparked public outrage, particularly among sections of the Muslim community, who accused the police of brutality. However, Atty. Fahnbulleh cautions against a one-sided narrative, warning that the full context of the altercation is being deliberately misrepresented by individuals with political motives.
Condemnation of Selective Narratives
In his written commentary, Fahnbulleh referenced Islamic teachings to support his stance, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) guidance on condemning corruption and injustice. He further drew from the Holy Quran (30:41), which states: “Evil has pervaded the land and sea as a result of the atrocities which man’s hands have done.”
He criticized what he described as a deliberate effort by some Muslim commentators to incite religious and ethnic tension by circulating edited footage that omits the Fula woman’s reported assault on the police officer. According to him, such acts are not only deceptive but dangerous to Liberia’s fragile peace and inter-religious unity.
“These individuals are not only disobeying God’s commands,” he wrote, “they are also enemies of peaceful coexistence and traitors to Islam.”
Legal and Religious Context
Fahnbulleh emphasized the gravity of physically attacking a law enforcement officer, especially while in uniform. He warned that if the woman had been armed, the situation could have turned deadly, resulting in greater societal fallout. Drawing parallels between Islamic Sharia law and the Liberian legal system, he asserted that both traditions permit authorities to enforce the law and punish violations appropriately.
He reminded his fellow Muslims that Islamic jurisprudence holds individuals accountable for acts of aggression and misconduct, and cautioned against invoking religion as a shield to avoid responsibility.
“The Christian community does not use religion to undermine justice when one of their own is arrested,” he observed. “Why should we, as Muslims, take that route? It sends the wrong message and exposes our community to scrutiny.”
Call for Transparent Investigation
While voicing his support for due process, Atty. Fahnbulleh called on the LNP to complete its investigation swiftly and transparently, free from religious or political interference. He also urged the police to clarify the woman’s citizenship status, noting unconfirmed reports that she may not be a Liberian national. If those claims are substantiated, questions around residency or legal status may arise, adding another layer to the legal proceedings.
Notably, Fahnbulleh stated that at this stage, he sees no human rights violation, since the police have taken action and committed to an official inquiry. However, he stressed the importance of allowing institutions to function without disruption from external agendas.
Unity over Division
Concluding his statement, the lawyer and Islamic scholar appealed to Liberians—especially Muslims—not to exploit the situation for political gain. He called on the community to transform the controversy into a moment of introspection and unity, rather than deepening divisions.
“Islam is a religion of peace,” Fahnbulleh reminded. “Let us rise above tribal, religious, and political interests to uphold justice and truth.”
His statement introduces a more nuanced perspective to a public discourse that has been heavily emotional and polarized. As tensions remain high and investigations continue, many will be watching to see whether leaders across all sectors take similar measured approaches to defuse tensions and promote accountability.
