Published: October 3, 2025
MONROVIA — Public anger is surging over what many Liberians describe as “selective justice” after authorities swiftly jailed an Agriculture Ministry contractor accused of statutory rape while a suspended deputy minister facing similar allegations remains free pending an investigation.
By Garmah Lomo & Nyantee S. Togba
The controversy, which has ignited calls from lawmakers and rights advocates for transparency and accountability, centers on the treatment of Sando S. Kromah, 34, a procurement contractor at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Bryant McGill, the suspended Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Kromah was arrested and charged last week with statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl in Vai Town, Bushrod Island. He was transferred to the Monrovia Central Prison on Wednesday, following a court order, pending trial.
McGill, meanwhile, is accused of assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a separate case that surfaced weeks earlier. Although President Joseph Boakai suspended him from his post, the police have yet to detain him, citing the need for more forensic evidence, a move that has drawn harsh criticism from both citizens and legislators.
Government’s Defense Sparks Backlash
At Thursday’s Ministry of Information press briefing, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sando sought to quell public outrage, insisting that the Liberia National Police (LNP) had acted properly in both cases.
“Police reiterate there is no special treatment given to anyone,” Sando told reporters. In one case, evidence was immediately available, and the suspect was caught in the room with the victim. In the other case with the suspended deputy minister, it is necessary to conduct all investigations to establish probable cause.”
Despite his assurances, critics argue that the starkly different approaches underscore an entrenched culture of impunity for political elites.
Kromah’s Arrest and Charge
Police records indicate that on Sept. 24, Kromah allegedly lured the 14-year-old girl into his apartment after she had been sent on an errand by her uncle. According to statements given by the girl and her relatives, Kromah allegedly overpowered her, gagged her mouth, locked the door, and assaulted her.
A medical examination at the Star of the Sea Health Center’s SGBV One Stop Center the following day confirmed “fresh redness on both sides of the labia minora… due to blunt object”, consistent with sexual abuse.
Police charged Kromah under Chapter 14, Subchapter D, Section 14.70 (1a and b) of Liberia’s Penal Law, which classifies sexual intercourse with a minor under 18 as statutory rape.
Kromah, interviewed in the presence of his lawyer, admitted he met the girl at his apartment that night but denied the assault allegations, claiming instead he confronted her over rumors damaging his reputation.
Public Outcry Over McGill Case
While Kromah’s case moved swiftly through the justice system, McGill’s case has languished for weeks as police await DNA testing and cell phone record analysis.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman explained that investigators had requested a subpoena of McGill’s call logs and U.S. Embassy assistance for DNA testing.
“I prefer that we take our time and send a case to court that will lead to successful prosecution, rather than rush with an arrest as people are demanding, and then risk letting the suspect walk free,” Coleman said.
McGill has been questioned but not arrested. Coleman added:
“Nobody is above the law, but I am asking the public to be patient.”
Senator Dillon Demands Answers
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon was among the most outspoken critics, accusing law enforcement of applying “selective justice.”
In a Facebook post Thursday, Dillon wrote:
“Did the contractor who is accused of statutory rape confess to committing the crime? Has the police/prosecution obtained a matching DNA linking him to the crime?
“And what’s about the suspended Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports who stands similarly accused? No DNA yet? If not, why?
“We will not, and we should not entertain any form of selective justice or even the semblance of it!”
Dillon vowed to summon police and prosecutors before the Senate when lawmakers return to session next week to explain the disparity in handling the two cases.
Women’s Rights Groups Demand Action
The Ministry of Gender has reiterated Liberia’s “zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence”, while rights groups criticized authorities for what they view as double standards.
Activists argue that delaying McGill’s arrest undermines faith in the judicial system and may intimidate survivors of sexual violence. Some groups have warned that the perception of bias could trigger public protests if not addressed.
Balancing Justice and Procedure
Deputy Information Minister Sando stressed that the delay in McGill’s case was not political interference but rather a procedural necessity.
Coleman added that, unlike Kromah’s arrest, which was based on eyewitness accounts, the immediate discovery of the suspect in the room with the victim, and corroborating medical evidence, McGill’s case hinges on forensic tests and phone data to substantiate the accusations.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts say both cases underscore broader weaknesses in Liberia’s justice system, where resource gaps, slow forensic processes, and public mistrust of authorities often hinder fair outcomes.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” said one Monrovia-based lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If the public perceives bias, even a proper investigation risks losing credibility.”
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