SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County, Liberia — A 30-year-old man, Aaron Dolo, has been convicted and sentenced to 15 years’imprisonment at the Sanniquellie Central Prison for statutory rape involving a 12-year-old girl in Nimba County.
The Sexual Offenses Division of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie handed down the judgment on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after the defendant, Aaron Dolo entered a guilty plea in open court following his arraignment and the reading of the indictment by the court clerk on August 25, 2026.
Resident Circuit Judge Musa S. Sidibey ordered that the convict serve 10 years in prison, after which he will be released on probation to serve the remaining five years under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice’s Division of Probation in his community.
According to the prosecution’s 10-count indictment, the incident occurred in Sokopa Town, Electoral District #1, Nimba County, where convict Aaron Dolo allegedly sexually abused the minor after going to her residence under the pretense of charging his mobile phone.
The prosecution alleged that Dolo knowingly and intentionally engaged in sexual intercourse with the girl while her mother was absent and subsequently gave her L$100 dollars.
During a police investigation, the convict reportedly admitted that he went to the girl’s residence and interacted with her but denied having sexual intercourse with her.
The minor was subsequently referred to the Ganta United Methodist Hospital, where she was examined and treated.
In a plea bargain agreement submitted to the court, the convict acknowledged that he understood the gravity of the charge against him, as well as the nature and elements of the offense.
Under another provision of the agreement, he acknowledged that he was guilty of statutory rape and agreed that, had the case proceeded to a full trial, the Government of Liberia would have been able to prove the allegations and his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
However, while the plea agreement recommended that Dolo serve five years, inclusive of time already spent in detention, Judge Sidibey declined to impose the recommended sentence consistent with law.
The court instead exercised its authority to impose a sentence it considered proportionate to the seriousness of the offense, sentencing Dolo to 15 years, with five years suspended and to be served under probation after completion of the initial 10-year prison term.
The court also took judicial notice of a pre-sentence investigation report, which confirmed Dolo’s decision to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecution and his acknowledgment of guilt.
According to the report, Dolo had repeatedly appealed to the victim’s parents for mercy and expressed remorse for his actions.
The report further quoted the victim’s mother as telling probation officers that her daughter continues to experience abdominal pain and remains under treatment at the Sokopa Clinic.
In its ruling, the court emphasized several provisions of Liberia’s amended Criminal Procedure Law and relevant opinions of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, stressing that criminal penalties are intended, among other purposes, to protect public safety, deter criminal conduct, and prevent the recurrence of serious offenses through the imposition of appropriate penalties.
Judge Sidibey noted that while plea agreements are intended to promote the expeditious administration of justice and provide mitigating mechanisms in appropriate cases, the overriding objective remains the advancement of justice and the interests of the community.
The court said plea agreements must take into consideration the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding its commission, and the personal circumstances of the accused, while guarding against any suggestion of corruption or improper influence.
The judge further stated that the court would be “remiss” if it failed to exercise caution in applying the safeguards provided by law when reviewing a plea agreement in a serious sexual-offense case.
The ruling also referenced Liberia’s amended rape statute of January 17, 2006, which expanded the statutory presumption regarding lack of consent involving minors, classified first-degree rape as a non-bailable felony, established gang rape as a criminal offense, and provided for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
According to the court, these provisions demonstrate the seriousness with which the Legislature treats rape and other sexual offenses.
The court further held that, in interpreting legislation, courts must consider the intent of the Legislature and the spirit of the law rather than applying the literal wording of a statute in a manner that defeats the purpose for which it was enacted.
Judge Sidibey concluded that the court had the authority under the applicable law to impose a sentence consistent with the amended rape statute while taking into account mitigating circumstances, including Dolo’s guilty plea and his request for mercy.
The court therefore imposed a sentence it said would not depreciate the gravity of the offense, while simultaneously considering the defendant’s plea for leniency.
Dolo is expected to serve 10 years behind bars before being released under probation supervision to complete the remaining five years of his sentence.
