Accident Exposes ‘Fake LNP IG’
By Godgift Harris
An accident that left a man only known as a ‘senior police officer’ has remained a topic for discussion with mixed reactions due to the mode it exposed a suspected fake police inspector general.
Authorities at the Liberia National Police (LNP) admitted facing serious questions about its internal controls and oversight.
In the wake of that, the admission came in the aftermath of the ‘shocking revelation’ that a man, who is said to have been posing as a senior police officer for years was ‘unmasked’ when he was reportedly involved in a car accident.
On August 18, 2025, Melvin Swen, who has reportedly parading as a “chief inspector” of police; dressed in full police uniform, was rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital following an accident.
It was only when LNP authorities attempted to verify his status as an officer that the truth came to light; exposing Swen never being a part of the police.
Eyewitnesses quoted community residents as saying that Swen was often seen confidently patrolling neighborhoods interacting with residents as though he was a legitimate senior officer on assigned duty.
Swen’s ability to move freely in communities has left the public alarmed and distrustful of police vetting systems.
“This is embarrassing for the country. If someone can wear a full uniform, carry a badge, and act like an inspector for years without being caught as a criminal or impersonator, means the system is completely broken,” said one resident in Duala.
Some residents claim Swen may not be the only imposter, due to reports that along the busy Duala enclave, individuals in ragged police uniforms have been ‘extorting money’ from commuters.
More troubling are community suspicions that some ‘senior officers’ may have been aware of such impersonations.
“Sometimes they tell their ‘boys’ to go hustle for them,” one businessman alleged, suggesting a culture of complicity that undermines public trust in law enforcement.
The LNP is yet to issue a full public statement beyond confirming Swen’s arrest and ongoing investigation.
However, the incident raises urgent concerns a to how many “inspector Swen” are operating undetected in Monrovia and other counties, mainly in the Redlight Market.”