A scheduled anti-power theft inspection at Nezoe Junction on Friday turned violent, leaving an officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s Anti-Power Theft Taskforce (APT) severely injured.
According to members of the taskforce, the team had uncovered two bypassed meters at a residence in the area. The female occupant reportedly admitted that the household had made illegal connections after their meters were stolen while awaiting replacements.
Taskforce Supervisor J. Lampard Wah informed the resident that such connections amounted to electricity theft. But while the wires were being disconnected, the situation escalated.
The woman’s husband, identified as Ansu Kromah, arrived at the scene accompanied by his brother and son. Kromah, who initially claimed to be an officer of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), was later confirmed by police to hold no such position. Instead, sources say he serves as an aide to his relative, former Police 102 and ex-LDEA deputy chief Abraham Kromah.
The encounter quickly turned hostile. Witnesses say Kromah physically assaulted Supervisor Wah, delivering a heavy punch. During the confrontation, taskforce members noticed what appeared to be a firearm on Kromah’s waist, prompting them to call for backup.
Before reinforcements could arrive, Kromah and his relatives pressed on with the attack. Wah was struck on the head with a sharp object believed to be a cutlass, leaving him bleeding profusely and in need of urgent medical care. Community residents rushed to his aid as he grew weak from the deep wound.
Wah was transported to a medical facility where he remains under treatment. Investigators say he will not be questioned until doctors confirm he is stable enough to provide a statement.
Meanwhile, suspect Ansu Kromah has been arrested and is being held at Liberia National Police Headquarters. He reportedly expressed remorse during questioning with APT representatives and LEC legal staff, pleading for leniency.
Police have since launched a joint investigation into the matter, describing it as “serious and disturbing.” The Nezoe Junction community remains in shock following the attack, which has highlighted the dangers faced by officers combating power theft across the country.
