Published: May 11, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia National Police has arrested a police officer assigned to its Women and Children Protection Section in Ganta, Nimba County, after a 16-year-old girl accused him of raping her while she was in police custody, the LNP announced Sunday.
The accused officer, Patrolman Wessay W. Weah, has been placed under detention pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation. Preliminary medical findings, according to the LNP, are consistent with the sexual assault allegation.
The case has triggered fresh public concern over the treatment and safety of juveniles held in police detention facilities, and over the conduct of officers entrusted with their protection.
“Following the complaint, the LNP immediately initiated investigative actions,” the police said in a statement issued May 9. “Patrolman Wessay W. Weah was promptly arrested and placed under police detention pending the outcome of the investigation.”
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the LNP, the sequence of events began Friday, May 8, when the parents of the 16-year-old filed a complaint at the Women and Children Protection Section in Ganta accusing their daughter of taking money from their mobile money business.
Following the complaint, the juvenile was placed in protective police custody pending further investigation, in line with what the LNP described as standard investigative procedures. Patrolman Weah was assigned responsibility for the juvenile’s security and supervision during that period.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 9, the girl returned to her family and subsequently alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by the officer assigned to guard her while she was in custody.
The juvenile was immediately escorted to a medical facility for examination and treatment. The LNP said preliminary medical findings indicate results consistent with the sexual assault allegation, and that additional medical and forensic reviews remain ongoing.
Broader Investigation Under Way
Beyond the rape allegation itself, the LNP said investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the juvenile’s departure from police custody, including whether procedural violations, negligence, misconduct, or criminal liability by other individuals may have occurred.
“The LNP is conducting a comprehensive review into the circumstances surrounding the juvenile’s departure from police custody,” the statement said.
The police reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence, abuse of authority, and professional misconduct, and said any officer found in violation of the law or professional standards would face both administrative and criminal proceedings under Liberian law.
The LNP also noted that Patrolman Weah remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Investigation into the matter remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as developments warrant,” the statement concluded.
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