- Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar Jones has confirmed the arrest of one of his outspoken critics, Robert Okai, for allegedly making denigrating comments about him on social media.

Okai, widely known for his criticism of the lawmaker, was arrested Sunday, April 26 shortly after attending church service at Winner Chapter Church in Unification City. He was taken into custody by officers assigned to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) Police Detachment and is currently being held at the RIA Police depot.

According to Okai's account, the arrest was carried out under the directive of Representative Jones, whom he has frequently criticized online. The incident has raised fresh concerns among observers about potential attempts to suppress dissent in District #2.

The Liberian Investigator has gathered that tensions between Okai and individuals believed to be linked to the lawmaker have persisted for months. Okai previously alleged that supporters he claimed were loyal to Jones physically assaulted him in Charlesville.

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The arrest has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some expressing concern that the action may be politically motivated. Observers who spoke to reporters suggested the move could be intended to silence critical voices within the district.

Speaking to the Liberian Investigator, Representative Jones said he filed a formal complaint with police days before the arrest, accusing Okai of making damaging statements about him on Facebook, including allegations about his personal life that he considers defamatory.

"There are comments on Facebook where Okai said I am gay. We are here so the police can establish the case so we can go to court," Jones said, emphasizing that he is pursuing the matter as a private citizen and not in his capacity as a lawmaker.

As of press time, efforts to obtain Okai's response to the allegations were unsuccessful, as he remains in police custody at the RIA depot.