Published: February 19, 2026
MONROVIA — The February Term of Criminal Court “A” on Monday heard detailed testimony from the prosecution’s second witness describing how fourteen children were allegedly transported out of Liberia under false pretenses and moved across multiple West African countries for financial exploitation.
The case, now in its sixth day of jury proceedings, centers on five defendants accused of trafficking minors aged 11 months to eight years. Investigators from the Liberia Immigration Service worked jointly with the Liberia National Police Women and Children Protection Section and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit to build the case.
How Investigators Say the Scheme Operated
Testifying before jurors, Chief Inspector Emmanuel F. Walker told the court the suspects initially traveled in 2024 with eight children, claiming participation in an international program. Authorities later concluded the trip was instead organized for profit-driven exploitation.
According to the witness, continued investigation — including interviews, witness statements and document verification — revealed the operation expanded beyond the initial journey. Investigators say a total of fourteen children were moved between Mali, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
Walker testified that the children were recruited through deception, transported across borders and exploited while the accused allegedly collected more than US$20,000.
Irregular Documents and False Identities
The prosecution said the suspects used names that did not match the children’s biological identities. Birth certificates presented during travel were inconsistent with official records, triggering suspicion among authorities.
After the children were eventually returned to Liberia, officials from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross, placed them into protective care.
Court records presented during testimony showed the children were distributed among the accused at the time of arrest: eight with Halimatou Daramy, three with Harieta Beaye, two with Famata Doe and one with Hawa Kamara.
Statements and Charges
Walker, an 18-year police veteran assigned to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, told the court the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights, including the right to silence and legal counsel. He said they voluntarily provided written statements which were read back and signed.
Following review of documentary evidence and witness accounts, prosecutors approved charges of human trafficking, child endangerment and exploitation under Liberian law.
The trial continues as jurors hear additional testimony and the court evaluates the prosecution’s evidence.
Discussion about this post