–Man’s Endless Erection Sparks Investigation
By: Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia – Since mid-August 2025, a man in his early 30s in Nimba County has been experiencing a persistent penile erection, a condition that has prompted a traditional inquiry while many residents remain stunned. The incident is alleged to have arisen from a dispute over a romantic relationship. Prince Duo and Bill Duo, both residents of Mao Town in Yarpea Mahn, Electoral District No. 2, reportedly accused the victim of having an affair with one of their girlfriends and threatened him, warning him to desist.
Four days later, the victim began experiencing the distressing condition. The victim’s family reported the incident to the Chiefs and Elders Council of Nimba County, prompting an investigation. Moses Vah, Vice Chair for Operations at the Council, said that the accused men, Prince Duo and Bill Duo, along with the victim and his family, had agreed to undergo a trial by ordeal in Danplay Town to determine the facts of the case on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
The planned trial by ordeal—a traditional practice involving rituals or physical tests to determine guilt or innocence—has drawn serious concern from advocates. The practice is illegal under Liberian law, as it violates constitutional rights. While the trial aims to resolve the dispute within the community using customary procedures, critics warn that it undermines due process and can expose participants to harm. According to Mr. Vah, preliminary investigations found that the accused denied any involvement in the alleged bewitching.
Despite efforts to resolve the situation, the victim’s condition remains unchanged. While the community pursues answers through traditional means, medical experts emphasize that prolonged erections can be a serious medical condition requiring urgent attention. Priapism—an erection lasting longer than four hours or occurring without sexual arousal—can cause permanent tissue damage and erectile dysfunction if not treated promptly. The intersection of traditional ritual processes with a potentially serious medical emergency adds a layer of complexity to the case.
Speculative context on why authorities might seek medical advice
Medical urgency and public safety: Prolonged priapism is a true medical emergency. Authorities may seek medical guidance to ensure the victim receives timely treatment and to prevent irreversible damage, which could have long-term health and social consequences for the individual and his family.
Documentation and public health messaging: Health professionals can provide accurate information about symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. This helps authorities communicate clearly with the public about why urgent medical care is necessary, reducing stigma or misinformation around the condition.
Legal and ethical considerations: Medical input can help clarify what constitutes reasonable care in a medical emergency, which may influence decisions about delaying or proceeding with traditional rituals. Balancing cultural practices with medical ethics and Liberia’s legal framework often requires expert medical perspectives.
Safety during any ritual process: If any ritual activities proceed, medical advice could be sought to assess and mitigate health risks to participants, particularly in settings that may involve physical strain or exposure to contaminants.
Clear separation of medical condition from allegations: Providing medical context helps readers distinguish between a health emergency and the interpersonal dispute at the heart of the case, supporting fair reporting.
