The Liberian National Police (LNP) has begun questioning a Liberian businessman, Jacob Knewolo, accused of criminally falsifying a land deed belonging to Rosemarie Williams, who resides in the US, following a complaint that he resisted being arrested.
Knewolo was summoned for questioning following a criminal complaint filed by Edward Lamin, believed to be the Attorney-In-Fact to Williams.
The decision to investigate Knewolo was sanctioned by the Inspector General, Patrick T. Sudue, when he requested officer John Kumeh of the Anti-Theft Squad, to probe the matter.
It all started on August 5, 2023 when officer Kumeh, after receiving the instruction from IG Sudue, decided to send two officers, Boakai Tarnue and Capehart Brown, who followed complainant Lamin to identify and arrest Knewolo.
According to the officers, when they reached the area they allegedly informed Knewolo that he was invited to the police station to answer to a complaint against him.
Later, the officers alleged that Knewolo consented and told them to contact his lawyer, Bob Laywehyee. “When Cllr. Bob Laywehee was contacted and informed by Knewolo that the police had come to arrest him, Cllr. Laywehee informed Knewolo not to move an inch from his position,” the officers alleged in their report filed to Kumeh.
They also claimed that Cllr. Lawyehee called John Kumeh and informed the police officers that his client was not moving an inch from his position until he was dragged by the police.
They further claimed that Cllr. Laywehee also drove at the scene and challenged them that his client would not go to the police station.
After hearing from Cllr. Laywehyee, the officers claimed that they contacted Kumeh and informed him about Cllr. Laywehee’s obstruction of justice, and since the scene was becoming chaotic due to Cllr. Laywehee’s hostile and unprofessional behavior towards them they left and reported the matter to Kumeh.
While still on the scene, the officers alleged that they heard Cllr. Laywehee having a heated exchange with Kumeh. During that period, the officers alleged that Laywehyee informed Kumeh that his client would not move an inch from the property—unless he is dragged by the police.
“Cllr. Bob Laywehee’s action did not only obstruct justice, but also undermined the rule of law, of which he is a practicing lawyer,” the officers alleged.