-Moves to Third County After Second Jury Deadlock
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — For the second time, 27-year-old Junior Wantoe’s trial for allegedly raping a 3-year-old child has ended in a hung verdict, resulting the case to be transferred to the 9th Judicial Circuit Sexual Offenses Division Court in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The two unsuccessful trials took place separately during the May and November Terms of Court, A.D. 2025 at the Sexual Offenses Division Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
On December 1, 2025, a new trial jury was selected, empanelled, and seated to hear the case for the November 2025 Term of Court, but they failed to return a majority or unanimous verdict on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
This marks Wantoe’s second rape trial, as a mistrial was declared during the May 2025 Term of Court when the jury then couldn’t reach a unanimous or majority decision but rather returning a hung verdict.
It can be recalled, during the May 2025 Term of Court,12-member jury returned a deadlocked 4–8 verdict on July 4, 2025, falling short of the two-thirds majority required under Section 20.11 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law (Hung Verdict).
Following the opening of the November 2025 Term of Court, a new trial began that includes testimony from several witnesses who testified for both parties and rested.
The prosecution presented six witnesses, including Mercy Barseh, the child victim’s mother, Mounah B. Meah, police investigator, Konah Tozay, nurse examiner, Gongbah Barseh, victim’s grandfather, James Teah, Geanplay Town Chief, and Fester Wongaumah. The defense presented two witnesses — Junior Wantoe, the defendant, and Prince Gonlee, a subpoenaed witness.
FINAL ARGUMENT
In a heated closing argument on Tuesday, the prosecution urged the jury to deliver a guilty verdict, citing the need to set a precedent for future cases. Prosecuting Lawyer, Atty. Joseph G. Suah referenced several Supreme Court Opinion, and the judiciary law to support their argument.
However, the defense counsel, Cllr. Allen F. Gweh maintained Wantoe’s innocence, arguing he wasn’t involved in the crime.
Cllr. Gweh also cited relevant laws and Supreme Court Opinion to support the plea for acquittal.
But the jury struggled to reach a verdict, ultimately delivering a 5-7 decision, leaving both the defendant’s and victim’s families in attendance concerned and questioning the outcome. The defendant, Wantoe, was visibly shaken, breaking down in tears as the court clerk read the verdict aloud.
Responding to the verdict, the defense lawyer, Cllr. Allen F. Gweh, requested that the case be transferred to a different circuit court for a new trial. He based this request on the jury’s failure to reach a verdict in two successive court terms, implying the current court jury’s inability to deliver a conclusive decision.
The prosecution meanwhile interposed no objection to the defendant’s motion, noting that the application was sound in law.
COURT’S RULING
The Sexual Offenses Division Court Resident Circuit Judge, Musa S. Sidibey, granted the defendant’s request to transfer the case to another circuit, naming the Sexual Offenses Division of the 9th Judicial Circuit in Bong County as the new venue.
Judge Sidibey emphasized that the transfer aims to ensure fairness, impartiality, and an expeditious trial. The decision was made considering the defense’s application and the prosecution’s lack of opposition.
The court ordered the transfer, citing the need for witnesses’ availability, as most are located in Geanplay Town, Nimba County. The clerk is instructed to transcribe the record and implement the ruling.
Defendant Junior Wantoe has been remanded in prison and will be transferred to the 9th Judicial Circuit for trial.
CRIME BACKGROUND
The case stems from a disturbing incident on February 20, 2025, in Geanplay Town, Electoral District #4, Nimba County where Junior Wantoe allegedly raped the toddler while her mother, Mercy Barseh was attending a nearby wakekeeping ceremony.
Mother Barseh recounted returning home to find Wantoe exiting her room. However, moments later, she discovered her daughter crawling and crying, her body and clothing with bloodstained.
Police investigators’ documented critical evidence, including bloodstained bedsheets, mosquito nets, and the victim’s clothing, which were presented during the trial.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual violence against children in Liberia, particularly in rural areas like Nimba County. According to reports, rape cases are prevalent, and victims often face challenges in seeking justice.
EXPECTATION
The high-profile case, ordered to be transferred to the 9th Judicial Circuit in Bong County, the public is eagerly awaiting a fair and impartial trial. The residents of Geanplay Town, as well as the families of the victim and the defendant, are hoping for a just outcome.
The transfer aims to ensure that the trial is conducted without bias, providing a fresh start for both the prosecution and the defense. The case’s outcome is highly anticipated, and many are watching closely to see justice served.
