-Liberians Smell Travesty of Justice in Bryant McGill’s Favor
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – Sando Kromah, 34, a contractor with the Ministry of Agriculture, was sent to Monrovia Central Prison on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Kromah faces charges of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old girl. In contrast, suspended Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Bryant McGill, also stands accused of raping the 14-year-old daughter of a ministry colleague on August 30, 2025, and has yet to be arrested.
Statutory rape is a first-degree felony under Liberian law and explicitly non-bailable. According to a police report, Officer Braford Sabbah of the Police Support Unit detained Kromah on September 25 after Mariama M. Tucker reported that her 14-year-old niece had been sexually assaulted. Tucker explained that her niece contacted her late on September 24, saying she was at Kromah’s apartment.
The girl alleged that Kromah forcibly took her into his room, locked the door, restrained her, removed both of their clothes, and sexually assaulted her by first inserting his finger and then his penis into her vagina.
In her police statement, the survivor detailed the events leading up to the assault. She had been sent by her uncle to retrieve a door key, which led to a detour meeting a friend. When leaving, Kromah allegedly grabbed her, silenced her with a cloth, locked her inside his room, and committed the assault.
Untouchable McGill:
Last month, the Liberia National Police (LNP) stated it required international assistance, specifically from the U.S. Embassy, to conduct DNA testing before proceeding with the arrest of Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Bryant McGill. McGill faces accusations of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old minor. This announcement sparked intense criticism, as many argue the police are deviating from the standard legal procedure for a non-bailable, first-degree felony by delaying arrest and appearing to give undue leniency to a government official of his caliber.
At a press briefing at LNP Headquarters, Inspector General Gregory Coleman emphasized the seriousness of the allegations but underscored the necessity of a thorough, evidence-based investigation before making any arrests. Coleman confirmed the minor had been sexually assaulted, with a medical report substantiating penetration, a principal factor in rape cases. However, he noted the investigation had not yet established McGill’s direct involvement. He also revealed plans to subpoena McGill’s call logs to track his geolocation at the time of the incident. Coleman appealed to the public for patience, stating the priority is a strong, prosecutable case rather than a premature arrest that might jeopardize justice.
The cautious investigative approach sharply contrasts with Liberian law provisions regarding rape cases involving minors. According to the New Liberian Penal Code, rape of a person under 18 years is a first-degree felony, punishable by life imprisonment, and is explicitly non-bailable. The legal framework mandates immediate pre-trial detention of suspects in such cases—a requirement seemingly bypassed here. The survivor has been placed in a safe home for protection, a step that legal experts interpret as acknowledgment by authorities of the severity of the offense. Public outcry, led by female rights advocates and government officials, demands McGill’s immediate arrest and prosecution.
Dillon’s Inquiry:
Following Sando’s arrest, Montserrado County Senator Abe Darius Dillon demanded urgent answers from the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the prosecution regarding the two high-profile statutory rape cases, highlighting concerns over potential selective justice.
Senator Dillon questioned whether McGill has confessed to the crime or if the police and prosecution have obtained a matching DNA sample linking him to the alleged offense.
He noted the absence of a DNA test or arrest in McGill’s case, questioning why such steps have not been taken. In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, Dillon emphasized: “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 about the suspended Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports who stands similarly accused? No ‘DNA’ yet? If not, why?”
“The Police/Prosecution MUST answer these concerns or be made to answer before the Senate immediately upon our return to SESSION next week! We will not, and we should not entertain any form of selective justice or the appearance, semblance of selective justice!!,” he added. The Liberia National Police has stated that a DNA test must be conducted to determine McGill’s involvement before any arrest can be made, a process that has not yet occurred since the case was reported on August 30. This procedural stance has fueled public suspicion that political connections might be affecting the application of justice.
Kollie and Wutoh Weigh In:
Martin K. N. Kollie, a Liberian exile, criticized the unequal justice system in Liberia regarding statutory rape cases. He pointed out that while one accused person, described as a “big shot,” remains free at home, another, referred to as a “plebeian,” is jailed, highlighting a societal system designed to protect the powerful.
Kollie, “Two people were/are accused of statutory rape. One is sitting home simply because he’s a “big shot” while the other is in jail because he’s a “plebeian”. The Society is unequal and unjust. It was designed to protect the powerful.”
Liberian advocate Vickjune Wutoh also condemned the political interference in rape cases, stating that regardless of when J. Bryant McGill is arrested—even if it happens as late as 2028—they will continue to hold authorities accountable. Wutoh accused the government and some supporters of compromising justice for political reasons, implying a disregard for the truth and the victims.
Wutoh: “August 30-September 30 is one month and today is October 2. Whether J Bryant McGill gets arrested in 2028, we will be here to remind Gregory that he compromised rape for political reasons while some government supporters backed his actions and justified it, thinking we’re stupid.“
The “Rape at SKD”:
The alleged incident occurred on August 30, 2025, when the victim, the 14-year-old daughter of Christopher Davis (Deputy Chief of Security for Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports), left home to deliver items to her aunt’s canteen within the Ministry premises. After she failed to return for several hours, a search led to her being found riding home on a motorcycle. She then revealed the assault by “Uncle Bryant,” identified as Deputy Minister McGill, who reportedly forced himself on her and tore her undergarments during the attack.
The case was promptly reported to the Liberia National Police, and a medical examination confirming the assault was submitted to ensure the investigation’s integrity. Despite multiple calls from civil society groups including the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLC), and notable human rights lawyers like Tiawan Saye Gongloe for McGill’s swift suspension and arrest, the police have maintained their methodical stance. This has led to accusations of preferential treatment amid fears that political influence may be hindering equal application of justice. Nevertheless, on September 16, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. suspended Deputy Minister McGill.
