The Nimba County Police detachment has arrested a 20-year-old man identified as Lee Meanyen, a suspected notorious armed robber allegedly responsible for a series of violent attacks against motorcyclists in and around Ganta City. Speaking to journalists on Monday at his office in Sanniquellie, Nimba County Police Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Larmie Mendin disclosed that the suspect was arrested on January 27, 2026, in Ganta City following an attempted armed robbery.According to ACP Mendin, Lee Meanyen allegedly hired a commercial motorcyclist, Blessing S. Dolo, in Ganta and requested to be taken toward City View Community, across the immigration checkpoint on the Ganta–Monrovia highway.
Before proceeding, the suspect reportedly asked the victim to stop at the Ganta General Market, claiming he needed to collect money from a business partner.The police commander explained that after traveling late into the night, the suspect diverted the motorcyclist onto a bush road shortly after passing the checkpoint. Pretending he was going to retrieve a cassava bag from a nearby farm, the suspect allegedly returned with a machete (cutlass) and struck the motorcyclist on the head in an attempt to steal the motorcycle.“The victim resisted, called for help, and police responded swiftly, leading to the suspect’s arrest with the weapon in his possession,” ACP Mendin said.
During police investigations, Lee Nya reportedly confessed to committing a similar crime on December 16, 2025, at the same location. That earlier attack involved another motorcyclist identified as Forky Gonyon, who is currently receiving medical treatment at the Ganta Medical Hospital.ACP Mendin revealed that in the December incident, the suspect successfully escaped with the victim’s motorcycle, which police are still attempting to recover.“He is one of the individuals responsible for terrorizing motorcyclists in Ganta and its surrounding areas,” the police commander noted.Police say the suspect has been charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt to commit murder, and other related offenses. Following the press briefing, he was expected to be forwarded to court for prosecution.
Although the incident occurred in Ganta, ACP Mendin explained that due to security concerns and public tension, the suspect was transferred to Sanniquellie for investigation. The case will initially be taken to the Ganta Magisterial Court before being transferred to the Nimba County Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over the matter.The Nimba Police Command also confirmed that the suspect identified at least one individual who allegedly assisted him in selling stolen motorcycles. However, police declined to release further details, citing ongoing investigations.“We are going after those collaborators. Once arrests are made, the public will be informed,” ACP Mendin assured.
Addressing the rising attacks on motorcyclists, the police commander emphasized the importance of community cooperation, noting that law enforcement alone cannot combat crime. “Criminals live within the community. Fighting crime is a shared responsibility,” he said, announcing that the Nimba Police will officially launch its 2026 Community Policing Program on March 20. ACP Mendin also recalled that in 2025, police arrested three armed robbery suspects involved in similar crimes, who are currently serving prison sentences at the Sanniquellie Central Prison.
When briefly questioned by reporters, Lee Meanyen admitted that this was his second time committing such an act. He claimed he was influenced by an unnamed individual and said he resides in Gbloryee Community, Ganta. He identified his hometown as Zainpa District #8 and stated that he lives with only his mother.Many community members have reportedly condemned the suspect’s actions, especially given his young age.Police have reassured the public of their commitment to protecting motorcyclists and maintaining security across Nimba County.
Author: P. Uriah Suah
