-In 2025, as the Court Adjudicates 21 SGBV Cases
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The specialized Sexual Offenses Division Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, convicted 10 individuals for rape and related crimes last year, adjudicating a total of 21 sexual and gender-based violence cases across its four terms in 2025.
According to verified court records, the court released 11 defendants following jury trials or prosecutorial dismissal but sentenced the remaining 10 for crimes including rape, statutory rape, and gang rape. Convictions carried prison terms ranging from 14 years to life for offenses against child victims.
Court documents show an ongoing backlog, with 21 defendants currently held in pretrial detention awaiting proceedings in the new year.
The court, which holds exclusive jurisdiction over such cases in the county, aims to provide justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable in a region where survivors often face significant barriers to reporting.
Residents and parents of victims have publicly praised Resident Circuit Judge Musa S. Sidibey for his handling of the cases, thanking him for what they call his fearless and impartial application of the law.
“Crucial” is how some Nimbanians described Judge Sidibey’s rulings, noting his decisions adhered to the constitution despite potential political pressures.
A series of recent landmark sentences from Judge Sidibey’s court underscore its tough stance, including a 30-year sentence for a 19-year-old man convicted of statutory rape in December.
In October, the court sentenced a 52-year-old disabled community leader to 25 years for the rape of a toddler at a community center.
Other 2025 sentences included a 5-year term for the attempted rape of a 6-year-old girl and a 10-year sentence for a 62-year-old man who attempted to rape a 4-year-old.
Liberia has intensified its national fight against sexual violence in recent years, declaring rape a national emergency in 2020 and establishing specialized legal and support structures.
Key measures include the creation of Criminal Court “E” for sexual violence cases, the appointment of a special prosecutor for rape, and the establishment of “One Stop Centres” for survivor care.
The Liberia National Police also maintains a dedicated Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) to handle these crimes.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges continue to hinder progress, including low institutional support for the specialized courts and lengthy litigation processes that cause major delays.
High caseloads and persistent delays in the judicial system contribute to a widespread sense of impunity, which advocates say fuels continued sexual violence.
