2026.6.8 Five-Armed Robbery Suspects Sent to Court Within One Week in Bong
GBARNGA, Bong County, June 8, 2026 — The Liberia National Police (LNP) in Bong County has forwarded five alleged armed robbery suspects to court within the past week as authorities intensify efforts to combat violent crime and improve public safety across the county.
The latest case involves two Gbarnga residents, identified as Samson Kwehai, 23, and James Kparkilah, 20, both of the Sugar Hill Community, who have been charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, and Theft of Property following an alleged motorcycle robbery on June 4.
According to police investigators, motorcyclist Joseph S. Kollie of Millionaire Quarter reportedly picked up Kwehai as a passenger from the Place to Be Entertainment Center on the night of the incident.
While traveling to the requested destination, Kollie allegedly became suspicious after the passenger made a phone call and decided to stop before reaching the final location.
Police said a dispute later erupted over transportation fare, during which two additional men reportedly arrived on a motorcycle.
One of the individuals was allegedly armed with a handgun and, together with the others, threatened the victim before making away with his Bajaj motorcycle.
Authorities disclosed that officers, with support from community members, launched an immediate operation that led to the arrest of two suspects later that same night.
Two motorcycles believed to be linked to the incident were also recovered during the operation.
Following police investigations, the suspects were formally charged and forwarded to court.
The case was processed by Depot One Investigator Detective Roberson Mombo and approved by Bong County Crime Services Division Commander SP. James Kartoe and General Police Detachment Commander ACP. William W. Johnson.
The latest arrests bring the number of alleged armed robbery suspects sent to court in Bong County within a week to five, highlighting ongoing law enforcement efforts to address criminal activities and strengthen security in the county.
Police authorities have meanwhile urged residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
GBARNGA, Bong County — The Liberia National Police have charged three young men with armed robbery, theft of property and criminal conspiracy in connection with the knife-point robbery of a woman returning home from a nightclub in Gbarnga.
The suspects, identified as Robert Nuetah, 19, Dennis Tokpah, 25, and Daniel Garkpor, 21, are in police custody awaiting court proceedings.
Speaking at a press briefing Thursday, James Kartoe, commander of the Crime Services Division of the Bong County Police Detachment, said the three allegedly attacked the woman as she walked home from the Place To Be Night Club on the night of June 3.
Kartoe said the suspects threatened the victim with knives and made off with her mobile phone and other valuables before fleeing.
“The suspects allegedly used knives to intimidate the victim and made away with her personal belongings,” he said. “Their arrest followed a complaint filed by the victim and subsequent police investigation.”
The men are being held at the Gbarnga Central Police Station pending their appearance in court.
Kartoe also acknowledged growing reports of harassment and nighttime attacks on residents by criminals posing as commercial motorcyclists. He said police have received several such complaints and are taking steps to address them.
“We are working to strengthen security presence in crime-prone areas and hotspots across Gbarnga and its surroundings,” he said. “Our objective is to identify, arrest, and ensure the prosecution of individuals engaged in criminal activities.”
The detachment urged residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activity to police promptly. x1200
2026.6.4 In Grand Bassa: Murder Suspect Finally Arrested After Years on the Run
Reports from Grand Bassa say Law enforcement authorities in the county have brought before the court a man accused of killing his wife nearly ten years ago and subsequently disappearing from the area. The accused, Sackie Kollie, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Martha Kollie, an incident that investigators say occurred in Gboya Town, District Two, in May 2016.
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County: Reports from Grand Bassa say Law enforcement authorities in the county have brought before the court a man accused of killing his wife nearly ten years ago and subsequently disappearing from the area.
The accused, Sackie Kollie, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his wife, Martha Kollie, an incident that investigators say occurred in Gboya Town, District Two, in May 2016.
Police say preliminary findings indicate that the alleged killing stemmed from a domestic dispute after the suspect reportedly encountered his wife with another man. Investigators allege that the altercation escalated and resulted in the woman’s death.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Crime Services Division officer Sergeant Isaac Dweh said the suspect left the county shortly after the incident and remained beyond the reach of authorities for several years.
According to the investigator, numerous efforts were made to locate Kollie, but he was able to avoid arrest until recently.
Police disclosed that the breakthrough came on May 30, 2026, when officers tracked the suspect to Senyah Town in Bong County and took him into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, the Liberia National Police completed its investigation and formally charged Kollie with murder before transferring the case to the Buchanan Magisterial Court.
Authorities say the development demonstrates that criminal investigations can remain active for years and that suspects will continue to be pursued regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Court proceedings are expected to begin as prosecutors prepare to present the case. The allegations against the defendant have not yet been proven in court, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the judicial process.
2026.5.27 For Killing Three Grandchildren, Grandmother in Nimba County Sentenced to Life in prison
Sanniquellie, Nimba County—A 56-year-old woman has been found guilty of killing three of her grandchildren in Menla Town, District #9, Nimba County. She was sentenced to life in prison by the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie on Tuesday, May 26. Serena F. Garlawolu, a resident judge at the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, rendered the decision. The prosecution used forensic and eyewitness evidence to link the defendant, Mary Giah, to the killings, and was found guilty.
John Miah, the county attorney, said that prosecutors created a timetable demonstrating that the children’s parents had left the home and asked Giah to look after them. According to investigators, Giah killed the children while the parents were away using objects discovered by the police. County attorneys offered those items to the court throughout the hearings. “We presented all available evidence in our case, including the instruments used in the killings,” County Attorney Miah told reporters after the ruling.
The court’s decision supports the victims’ relatives and the community. Courtroom response and ensuing actions erupted in emotions as the judge read her sentence. The victims’ relatives wept in secret as other families looked at one another in disbelief. Throughout the hearing, Giah occasionally seemed confused. When given a chance to speak, she told the court that she was unable to adequately explain her actions and called them the “work of the devil,” pleading for pardon.
Judge Garlawolu sentenced the defendant to life in prison after considering the facts and aggravating circumstances. Giah will be moved to the Grand Gedeh Corrections Center per the court’s ruling, where she is anticipated to spend the rest of her life. Menla Town and the surrounding areas were rocked by news of the murders and the punishment. The episode was terrifying and unexpected for the neighborhood, according to neighbors.
Community leaders stated that the tragedy drew attention to the vulnerabilities that arise when children are placed in informal care and urged for greater mental health support as well as enhanced awareness of child safety. The case raised attention to how violent crimes against minors are handled by the local legal system. The prosecution claimed that in order to obtain the conviction, they relied on tangible evidence, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths.
Giah’s mental state and requests for forgiveness were used by defense attorneys to plead for mercy, but the court determined that the seriousness of the offense called for a life sentence. The three victims were recognized by family members and court documents as the couple’s children who had gone to the property on the day of the event. The names of the children have not been made public by the community until all next of kin have been notified and formal procedures have been completed. Although the defense may file an appeal, authorities claim the trial court’s decision is final. Counseling and child-safety outreach initiatives are being coordinated by local social services and non-governmental organizations for the mourning family and community.
2026.5.18 Jury Splits 6-6 in Police Officer’s Death Trial, Forcing Mistrial
MONROVIA — The jury at Criminal Court ‘A’ deadlocked evenly on Monday in the murder trial of a commercial driver accused of killing a Liberia National Police officer, forcing the court to declare a mistrial and leaving prosecutors to decide whether to retry the case.
The 12-member panel split 6-6 after hours of deliberation, unable to agree on whether Francis Nana intentionally killed Officer Mark D. Bracewell or whether the officer’s death resulted from a traffic accident. The hung jury sets up a potential retrial and deals a major procedural blow to the prosecution, which had sought a life sentence.
The verdict landed before an audience of roughly 200 uniformed officers from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service and Liberia National Fire Service, many of whom packed the courtroom in solidarity with Bracewell.
Defense attorney Jeremiah Samuel Dugbo, in closing arguments, urged jurors not to convict where reasonable doubt existed, invoking both Biblical and Quranic scripture — Matthew 27:4 and Surah 17:33 — as a caution against condemning an innocent man.
“The prosecution has failed to prove intent,” Dugbo told jurors. “This was a tragic traffic incident, not murder.”
The defense argued the state failed to establish malice aforethought, the legal threshold required under Liberian law for a murder conviction, contending that Nana and Bracewell had no prior relationship, conflict or confrontation before the fatal encounter.
“There is absolutely no evidence that Francis Nana intended to kill Officer Bracewell,” Dugbo said.
The defense also pointed to the Liberia National Police First Quarter Road Traffic Accident Report, published April 3, which documented 478 traffic accidents between January and March, resulting in 71 deaths and more than 300 injuries. Defense lawyers noted that none of those fatalities had been prosecuted as murder, arguing that prosecutors elevated this case to murder only because the victim was a police officer.
Prosecutors pushed back sharply. They argued that the manner in which Bracewell was dragged by Nana’s vehicle demonstrated a deliberate disregard for human life that far exceeded ordinary recklessness or negligence.
“The conduct of the defendant showed malice,” prosecutors said. “This was not ordinary recklessness.”
The state urged jurors to return a guilty verdict carrying life imprisonment, insisting the defendant had ample opportunity to stop the vehicle but continued driving while the officer was in danger.
The case drew national attention from the start. According to court records, Bracewell was attempting to stop Nana’s vehicle during a traffic encounter in Monrovia when he was dragged and sustained the injuries that killed him. His death as an officer on duty prompted immediate calls for accountability from within the LNP and reignited public debate over road safety and police interactions with motorists.
The central dispute throughout the trial — whether the incident was murder or a fatal accident — ultimately proved too close for the jury to resolve, producing the even split that ended the proceedings without conviction or acquittal.
Prosecutors must now decide whether to retry Nana before a newly selected jury.
2026.5.16 Liberian Woman Alleges Years of Abuse by Brother, Accuses Police of Ignoring Complaints
A young Liberian woman has sparked widespread public concern after sharing a heartbreaking account of alleged physical abuse by her own brother, claiming the violence began when she was just 11 years old and has continued into adulthood without intervention from either family members or authorities.
In an emotional statement posted on social media, the woman explained that she had long avoided bringing her personal struggles online because of the mixed reactions and criticism often associated with public disclosures. However, she said she felt compelled to speak out after repeated attempts to seek help allegedly failed.
“When I created my page, I promised myself that I will never bring my problems on social media because of the mixed reactions and opinions, but apparently this is my last resort since the LNP refused to help me,” she wrote.
According to her account, the alleged abuse started during her childhood while she and her brother were growing up without their parents consistently around. She said she initially believed the behavior would eventually stop, but instead it escalated over the years.
The woman alleged that despite informing her parents about the repeated assaults, little action was taken beyond verbal reprimands. She further claimed that her brother would boast afterward that nothing would happen to him and that he could continue attacking her without consequences.
Hoping to receive protection, she said she repeatedly reported the matter to the Liberia National Police. However, she alleged that officers dismissed her complaints once they learned the accused was her brother, advising her to settle the matter “family way.”
The victim said the most recent alleged assault occurred three days ago around 1:00 AM, when she was repeatedly struck in the face. According to her statement, she cried for help but no one intervened. She claimed her mother scolded her after she called for assistance, while her father allegedly did not answer her calls.
She also alleged that the abuse has left her partially deaf in one ear and nearly blind in one eye.
“Is there any law in Liberia that states a brother should hit his sister?” she questioned in the post directed at the Liberia National Police. “Is it okay if I was physically abused because he’s my brother?”
The woman identified the alleged abuser as Ibrahim Morris Kowah.
In addition to the physical violence, she accused him of stealing from her and verbally insulting her, stating that any confrontation often resulted in further assaults.
She explained that although many people have questioned why she remains in the same household, financial hardship and lack of alternative shelter have left her with nowhere else to go.
“It’s not like I don’t wanna leave, but I got nowhere else to go,” she wrote.
Her story has since gone viral across social media, prompting intense discussions about domestic violence, family abuse, and the handling of such complaints by law enforcement authorities in Liberia.
Several social media users have called for authorities to thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure the victim receives protection and support. Others have raised concerns about the lack of accessible shelters and support systems for abuse victims facing violence within their own homes.
The allegations against Ibrahim Morris Kowah remain unproven, and no official statement from the Liberia National Police regarding the claims had been publicly released at the time of this report.
Wilsonville, Trehn District, Grand Kru County — A brutal assault in southeastern Grand Kru County is intensifying national concern over mob violence and the dangers of enforcing cultural expectations through force.
The incident, which occurred on April 24 in Wilsonville, Trehn District, has left 52-year-old Sunday Dorbor hospitalized after he was allegedly beaten and set ablaze by a group of men for refusing to participate in a traditional activity. While the attack itself has drawn widespread condemnation, the broader issue now dominating public discussion is the persistence of vigilante-style punishment in some communities where refusal or dissent can quickly escalate into violence.
According to Dorbor, the confrontation began when he declined a request to play a drum during a local gathering, citing exhaustion. What might have remained a minor disagreement instead turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Witness accounts and the victim’s testimony suggest that the refusal was interpreted as an act of disrespect, prompting a group reportedly linked to a local traditional society—to take matters into their own hands. Dorbor alleges that one individual incited the violence, instructing others to attack him. He was subsequently beaten, overpowered, and, in what authorities describe as a deeply disturbing escalation, set on fire while lying defenseless.
The Liberia National Police has confirmed that two suspects are currently in custody and are assisting with the investigation. A third individual, believed to be a key instigator, remains at large. “This is not just an isolated assault it raises serious questions about law enforcement presence and the rule of law in remote areas,” a police source noted. Dorbor is receiving treatment at a local health facility and is said to be in stable condition despite severe injuries.
Speaking from his hospital bed, he expressed shock at how quickly the situation deteriorated. “I only wanted to rest,” he said. “I never thought saying no would lead to this.” Human rights advocates say the case highlights a troubling pattern in parts of rural Liberia, where community justice systems sometimes override formal legal processes. Cultural traditions, while deeply valued, can become dangerous when enforced without consent. “This is about more than one man,” a local activist said. “It’s about protecting individual rights and ensuring that no one is punished outside the law.”
The attack has prompted renewed calls for the government to strengthen legal awareness, expand policing in rural regions, and hold perpetrators of mob violence fully accountable. As the investigation continues, many Liberians are demanding justice not only for Sunday Dorbor, but as a deterrent against future acts of collective violence.
2026.5.8 Sinkor Bouncer Charged With Manslaughter After Hiding Unconscious Woman’s Body Under Mattress
MONROVIA — The Liberia National Police have formally charged a 27-year-old Sinkor bouncer with manslaughter and negligent homicide after investigators say he concealed the unconscious body of a young woman beneath a mattress in his father’s Gaye Town apartment rather than seek emergency medical help, leaving her to die.
Thomas S. Lahun was arrested the night of Friday, April 24, 2026, in connection with the death of Annette Suah, a petty businesswoman from New Matadi Estate whose body was discovered by Lahun’s father the following day after he detected a strong odor coming from the room. A police charge sheet dated May 6, 2026, formally cited Lahun under Sections 14.2(a) and 14.3 of Liberia’s revised Penal Code.
According to investigators, the events that led to Suah’s death began in the early hours of Thursday, April 23, when she and Lahun, described in the charge sheet as “intimate friends,” met at Perry’s Bar, also referred to as Friend’s Bar Entertainment Center, on Cheeseman Avenue between 19th and 20th Streets in Sinkor. The two reportedly spent roughly five hours drinking beer and smoking shisha, from around 4:30 a.m. until the bar closed at approximately 9:30 a.m.
After leaving the bar, police say the pair proceeded to the one-bedroom apartment of Lahun’s father, Emmanuel S. Lahun, in Gaye Town, Old Road, where Lahun obtained a key from a neighbor and let them both in. They remained in the apartment for several hours before deciding to leave sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Police say Suah told Lahun she wanted to shower before they left. When prolonged silence drew no response to his repeated calls, Lahun entered the bathroom and found her lying unconscious in the bathtub with foam coming from her mouth. He attempted to revive her, wiping away the foam and administering first aid, but she remained unresponsive. He then called a friend identified only as “Kenny,” who advised him to either take her to the hospital or report the matter to police.
What investigators say happened next forms the crux of the criminal case against him.
As Lahun was attempting to dress Suah to take her to the hospital, police allege he saw his father approaching the house and panicked. Instead of calling for help, he placed her body on the floor and covered it with bedding and a mattress. He did not disclose the situation to his father that evening, though the charge sheet notes he later told him he “wanted to say something” but was afraid.
The following morning, Emmanuel Lahun returned to the apartment, noticed a strong odor and found Suah’s body beneath the bed. He alerted a neighbor, Paweh Coleman, who advised him to contact authorities. Police arrested Thomas Lahun later that night.
Lahun works as a bouncer at Cigar Hub on Cheeseman Avenue. Authorities have not publicly released a medical report establishing the precise cause of Suah’s death, but investigators concluded he acted recklessly and negligently and recommended the charges now before the court.
On April 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 Am, acting on a search and seizure warrant prayed for by the Sinoe County detachment, from the 3rd Judicial circuit court in Greenville, arrested Ojukuwu Godwin, a Nigerian National with the following substance;
Kush – 28.3grams
Cocaine – 26grams
The estimated street value of the drugs seized are;
Kush – 566.00 USD and LD- 107,500
Cocaine – 1300USD and LD – 247,000
Total estimated street value is $1,866.00 USD and $354,500.00 LD.
The suspect is currently being investigated, and will be turned over to the court for prosecution in accordance with the amended drug Law of Liberia.
The LDEA urges the public to continue assisting in the fight against drug trafficking by reporting any suspicious drug activities through its hotlines: 0777-133333 0888-133333
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at about 9:05 AM, LDEA officers conducting a routine search at the Owensgrove Checkpoint arrested Georgecilla Mulbah, 38, a Liberian national and resident of Rivercess County, in possession of six plates of compressed marijuana weighing 6 kilograms.
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of USD 600.00, equivalent to LRD 114,000.00.
Further investigation is ongoing, and afterward, the suspect will be forwarded to court as per the new drug law
The LDEA urges the public to continue assisting in the fight against drug trafficking by reporting any suspicious activities through its hotlines:
0777133333 / 0888133333
2026.2.17 Police charge Nigerian pastor with statutory rape, sexual abuse of minor
KAKATA, Margibi County — Police in Kakata have charged and forwarded to court a 46-year-old Nigerian pastor for allegedly sexually assaulting and impregnating a 17-year-old girl, authorities said.
The suspect, Apostle Ernest Ihejimeonu, faces charges including statutory rape, sexual abuse of a ward, criminal solicitation and criminal facilitation. He has been remanded at Kakata Central Prison pending court proceedings, police said.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | Facebook
The Liberia National Police said the charges stem from allegations that the pastor engaged in sexual relations with the minor and later provided money to facilitate an abortion. Investigators said the case was reported after the girl disclosed to her parents that Ihejimeonu was responsible for her pregnancy.
Under Liberia’s New Penal Law of Liberia, statutory rape involves sexual intercourse with a person younger than 18. The law classifies the offense as a felony and provides for imprisonment upon conviction. The law also prohibits sexual abuse involving minors where the accused holds a position of authority or trust.
Police said the suspect denied the allegations during questioning, stating he only provided financial assistance to the girl because she was a member of his church, The Light of God International Ministry in the Green Hill community.
However, investigators said they obtained digital evidence, including WhatsApp messages and audio recordings, allegedly linking the suspect to the pregnancy and discussions about terminating it. Authorities also allege the pastor transferred more than LD$20,000 to the girl.
Police said the suspect’s wife brought the teenager to Kakata Police Station on Feb. 7 and accused her of attempting to damage her husband’s reputation. The girl later provided information that led to the criminal investigation, authorities said.
Investigators also allege that during the 2023 election period, Ihejimeonu transported the minor to Lofa County under the pretext of attending a church event. Police said the trip may have been connected to voter registration activities. Authorities said the girl was under the legal voting age at the time.
Police confirmed that Ihejimeonu also works as a geography teacher at Lango Lippaye High School and other schools in Kakata.
Meanwhile, women’s rights advocates and child protection groups are calling for a fair and transparent trial. They cited Liberia’s Children’s Law of Liberia, which guarantees protection for minors against sexual exploitation and abuse.
Margibi County Gender Coordinator Danielton Assilton said authorities and community members must cooperate to ensure justice as being taken to jail on pre trail detention does not end the case noting that people must muster the courage to show up in court to pursue their case.
Ihejimeonu remains in custody pending a formally indictment by the grand jury of the 13th judicial circuit court.
MONROVIA — The Supreme Court of Liberia on Thursday reserved its ruling in contempt proceedings against Justin Oldpa Yeazehn, popularly known as Prophet Key, following arguments before the Full Bench at the Temple of Justice.
The case stems from a Feb. 4, 2026 citation issued by the Court ordering Yeazehn to appear and “show cause why you should not be held in contempt of court.” The citation alleged that he had made sustained public remarks directed at Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay and members of the Supreme Court that the justices said exposed the judiciary to ridicule and disrepute.
According to the Court’s order, the alleged statements included personal attacks against the Chief Justice. The matter has triggered public debate over the boundaries between constitutionally protected speech and conduct that may constitute contempt of court.
Article 15 of Liberia’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression but also subjects that right to limitations where speech infringes upon the rights and reputations of others or undermines public order.
When Yeazehn first appeared before the Full Bench on Tuesday, Feb. 10, he informed the Court that he did not have private legal counsel and requested representation.
The justices subsequently appointed attorneys from the Public Defender’s Office, including the head of that office, to represent him. The matter was continued to Thursday, Feb. 12, for full argument.
During the hearing, counsel representing Yeazehn acknowledged that their client’s statements were inappropriate and apologized to the Court.
Cllr. Bestman Juah, appearing on his behalf, urged the Court to temper justice with mercy.
“While Article 15 provides for free speech and opinion, once such actions injure another person, one must be held responsible,” Juah told the Bench, conceding that his client’s conduct crossed constitutional limits.
Yeazehn also addressed the Court directly, admitting that he had made offensive remarks, including insults directed at the Chief Justice. He expressed remorse and pledged to refrain from similar statements in the future.
“From today, I will never insult anyone again,” he told the justices.
Several amici curiae and legal practitioners participated in the proceedings. Representatives advocating for enforcement of the Court’s authority argued that meaningful sanctions are necessary to deter attacks on judicial officers and preserve institutional integrity.
They maintained that unchecked public disparagement of the judiciary could erode confidence in the justice system.
Chief Justice Gbeisay emphasized during the proceedings that the hearing was part of due process and not a predetermined finding of guilt. He noted that while freedom of speech is constitutionally protected, the Court retains inherent authority to safeguard its dignity and ensure respect for judicial processes.
Following arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court announced that it would deliberate and issue its decision at a later date.
The case has drawn national attention, raising questions about the scope of contempt powers in the digital age and the extent to which public commentary about judicial officers may attract sanction.
The Court’s forthcoming ruling is expected to clarify how Liberia balances constitutional protections for free expression with the judiciary’s authority to address conduct it deems contemptuous.
Monrovia, January 28, 2026: The dispute between the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the occupants of the 72nd Front View Property is intensifying over the demolition of a property valued at USD $500,000.
Occupants of the popular entertainment center “Help Yourself” at 72nd Main Junction filed a writ of injunction on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, against the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), citing a forceful eviction warning and alleged lawlessness by the military.
Frances Yonger Morsay, owner of Help Yourself Business Center, argues that she holds a warranty deed for the property. She accuses the armed forces of acting unlawfully and attempting to seize investments worth thousands of U.S. dollars.
In an interview with New Dawn on Thursday, Ms. Morsay stated that she owns at least three lots of land acquired from the Smith family and claims the army is trying to demolish her investments by force.
“I’ve sold bottles for more than 10 years to put this investment here, and the AFL is now trying to seize it,” she said.
“They haven’t served any prior notice to us about this property. We just woke up one morning, on January 20th, and soldiers came in, acting brutally and violently towards the business without any communication. When I tried to question one of the soldiers, he nearly beat me,” Morsay alleged.
According to her, she has occupied the 72nd Front View Property under a 10-year lease agreement with the Smith family since 2022, valued at approximately US$25,000.
“I leased this property in 2022, and we have our warranty deed. If the Army wants the front view, let them come to us respectfully. We know they are the government—they have eminent domain, and we cannot fight them—but let them proceed in an orderly manner, not violently,” she added.
“We will not leave. If the Army wants to kill us, let them kill me because of my property. I spent my whole life selling and working hard to acquire this,” Morsay said.
Meanwhile, the writ of injunction filed by the Morsay family on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, against the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has been rejected by the court.
On the same day, court sheriffs, acting on behalf of the Morsay family, issued a writ against the Army Command to halt the forceful eviction warning.
The property owners maintain that their assets were legally acquired before the establishment of the 72nd Military Barracks in 1985.
They have appealed to the Supreme Court to issue an injunction against the military’s planned eviction and demolition moratorium.
x1200
2026.1.27 Man on the run After Alleged Murder of 25-year-old Girlfriend
PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA: A Liberian national identified as Edwin Mulbah has come to a point of controversy and is said to be on the run after a violent encounter with his longtime girlfriend, Rachel Korto, that reportedly led to the lady’s death in the Soul Clinic Community, in Paynesville.
The incident occurred on Sunday night and has since left residents shocked, and with many raising urgent questions about domestic violence in Liberia.
The altercation reportedly escalated when Rachel was struck with a cooking pot and mocked with a frying pan, while Mulbah allegedly turned up the music in their room to mask the sounds of the attack.
These details, coupled with the circumstances surrounding the attack, have intensified calls for accountability and swift action from authorities.
According to report, Rachel had spent the evening with friends before returning home, where sources indicate Mulbah arrived around 11:00 pm on January 25, 2026, sparking an argument that quickly turned violent.
Report indicate that a minor living with the couple, whose identity is withheld for protection, witnessed Rachel collapse and lose consciousness as Mulbah fled the scene, leaving neighbors and family in immediate distress.
Neighbors responded immediately, rushing Rachel to Benson Hospital in a desperate effort to save her. Due to the severity of her injuries, hospital authorities referred her to John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In the aftermath, Rachel’s family has formally appealed to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Justice, the Government of Liberia, and the Liberia National Police to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, secure the immediate arrest of Mulbah, and hold all responsible parties accountable under Liberian law.
As of press time, the Liberia National Police had not confirmed Mulbah’s whereabouts, leaving the community anxious for answers and reinforcing the urgent need for stronger protections, public awareness campaigns, and systemic measures to safeguard victims of domestic violence across Liberia.
2026.1.12 National Security Agency Officer jailed for allegedly sodomizing a minor
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia — The Monrovia City Court on Monday ordered the incarceration of an officer of the National Security Agency following his arrest on allegations of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy.
The defendant, Peter Bon Jallah, 63, was remanded to jail after police charged him with gang rape, statutory rape, and kidnapping, pending trial.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Liberia National Police, Jallah was arrested on January 7, 2026, and subsequently investigated by the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother.
Police allege that the victim, identified by the initials A.H.B.A. to protect his identity, was sexually abused on multiple occasions between November 29 and December 24, 2025, at Jallah’s residence in the Air Field, Sinkor Sharks Community, where the boy reportedly performed domestic tasks in exchange for small payments.
Investigators further allege that on January 1, 2026, the defendant lured the boy under the pretext of buying him football boots, transported him to a property on Camp Johnson Road, and held him there until January 3, during which time he was allegedly gang-raped by Jallah and two unidentified adult males.
Police said the victim reported being given food that made him dizzy before the alleged assault occurred.
According to investigators, the victim was later abandoned on 15th Street, Sinkor, near Payne Avenue, late on January 3, 2026. He was found in distress by passersby, who assisted in contacting his family. The boy was subsequently taken to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
A medical report from the hospital’s One-Stop Center, cited by police, noted physical injuries consistent with sexual assault.
During preliminary investigations, police said witness statements, crime-scene visits, and GSM phone data placed the defendant within the vicinity of the alleged crime scenes, contradicting his account. Investigators also reported that the victim accurately described the defendant’s residence and vehicle.
Jallah has denied all allegations, telling investigators that the victim had never entered his compound and that he had no contact with the boy at any time.
Following interviews with the victim, complainant, witnesses, and the suspect, police said they established probable cause to proceed with charges.
WACPS investigators have formally charged Jallah and “other persons to be identified” with gang rape under Section 14.70(2), statutory rape under Section 14.70(b), and kidnapping under Section 14.50(1) of Liberia’s Penal Law. The case is pending trial before a court of competent jurisdiction.
2026.1.9 HIV-positive woman says status disclosure led to stigma, loss of livelihood in Karnplay
Karnplay, Nimba County–A woman living with HIV in Karnplay says her confidential medical status was disclosed without her consent, triggering widespread stigma that upended her livelihood, education and social life, according to accounts from the woman and people familiar with the matter.
The woman, identified as Kou to protect her privacy, said a former colleague at EQUIP shared her HIV status with members of the Karnplay community after the end of an HIV-focused project in Ganta where she had been employed.
“Even my boyfriend left me. I can’t go back to Karnplay,” she said. “Everyone points fingers at me. I had to leave everything and move to my mother’s village.”
She furthered that the disclosure led to discrimination that coerced her to abandon her small business, withdraw from the university and ultimately leave the community in 2023.
Kou previously worked with EQUIP, a health NGO, in a role typically reserved for people living with HIV. It was within the employ of the organization she said she was outed.
And it was there, she revealed, that a former colleague—Oretha Harris, also aware of her status—had been telling residents in the area about her condition.
She mentioned that she reported the matter to the Karnplay Comprehensive Health Center, where clinicians provided counseling and invited the former colleague to a mediation session.
According to her, the colleague apologized, but no disciplinary action followed. She then took the complaint to the community chairman, who convened a traditional meeting involving both women that again ended with an apology.
Despite advice from others to pursue a formal complaint with the police, she revealed that she declined, choosing to accept the apology and move on.
That decision proved costly as the impact of the disclosure soon intensified like a raging inferno.
“Customers stopped buying the roasted meat and meat gravy I sold to support myself, effectively collapsing my small business”. She also said some hairdressers refused to braid her hair, citing fear of contracting HIV.
“When she brought her meat to sell, people refused to buy,” said a Karnplay resident who asked not to be named. “They didn’t want anything to do with her.”
People living with HIV continue to come under discrimination and harassment from the public, according to the European Union Agency for Asylum.
In 2023, Dominic Bropleh, a gay man living with HIV, accused FHI360 of outing his HIV status by deliberately placing his photo on a placard as a person living with the virus for its social and behavioral change campaign.
The organization later tried to remove the placard from across the country though its attempt was futile. And although the public health law calls for penalization, no action was taken nor was Bropleh compensated in accordance with the law.
There are 36,000 individuals living with HIV across the country, according to the National AIDS Commission. Out of that number, women like Kou and others account for two-third of those . “Women by far constitute the most affected group in Liberia’s HIV burden,” Dr. Cecelia Nuta, chairperson of the Commission said during a press conference in November 2025.
UNAIDS data underscores these concerns. Among adults aged 15–49, HIV prevalence stands at 1.2% for women, double the 0.6% for men. Translating these percentages into numbers, approximately 24,000 of Liberia’s 36,000 HIV-positive citizens are women, making them the clear majority of those affected.
Health experts point to a combination of biological, social, and economic factors as drivers of this disparity. Unequal access to healthcare, gender-based violence, poverty, and limited sexual health education for young girls and women are cited as major contributors.
People whose HIV status has been outed have recourse under the law. Sections 18.23, 18.24, 18.25, and 18.26 of the amended Public Health Law of the revised Liberia Code of Laws call for a fine of L$10,000, revocation or suspension of license or operating permit of license for individuals or organizations violating the confidentiality of persons or individuals living with HIV.
Not Employees, EQUIP Clarifies
The executive director of EQUIP-Liberia, Roland Suomie, said the organization is aware of the incident but highlighted that the individuals involved were volunteers and not employees.
“They received training, supervision and allowances to create awareness and do follow ups. They were not employees,” Suomie noted in a text message to journalRAGE. “EQUIP has a clear policy on confidentiality and breaching of this policy has serious consequences, including termination of contracts for employees.
He said his underling, Sam Tappiah, confirmed receiving the report of Kou. “He and other supervisors along with the HIV focal person at Karnplay Health Center investigated and intervened. I am told because of this Harriet was not allowed to volunteer with the next phase of the project being supported by Youth Alive.”
Local authorities confirmed that the matter was addressed through counseling and community mediation but acknowledged that no formal action was taken. The Karnplay Comprehensive Health Center said it provided counseling, while the community chairman facilitated dialogue between the parties. There has been no police investigation or court case related to the incident.
Stigma Hovers
Three years after the outing of her HIV status, Kou said the stigma continues to hover everywhere she goes. Employment continues to delude her everywhere she goes.
“She told me she couldn’t take a Peer Educator job because no one would work with her,” said an outreach worker with the Liberia Equality Network (LEN) in Nimba County, who has been in contact with Kou.
Kou’s case has raised concerns among advocates about violations of privacy and discrimination against People Living With HIV. Public disclosure of a person’s HIV status without consent can expose individuals to stigma, social exclusion and economic harm, undermining their dignity and access to health, education and employment, the outreach worker said.
A spokesperson for LEN said Kou’s dilemma, while it may not be isolated, is the first case they have dealt with. “This is the first one we actually dealt with. We don’t have rapid response support to at least help.”
The LEN spokesperson furthered that they have beefed up its awareness in the county to prevent the situation a la Kou from replicating.
“We have to keep providing awareness. It’s not just about her but the issue of misleading information and lack of confidentiality. We provide weekly awareness in our target areas. For her as an individual we can not do much; we tried reaching out to LIWEN but didn’t hear anything from them.”
The foreseeable looks grim for Kou who has dropped out of university and relocated to her mother’s village to abscond from the icy stares of prying eyes. “Even my boyfriend left me. I can’t go back to Karnplay. Everyone points fingers at me.
发表回复