By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – Suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports J. Bryant McGill who was on Monday, January 12, 2026 formally cleared of rape allegations following a comprehensive investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) has reaffirmed his innocence.
In a press statement delivered today, McGill reaffirmed his innocence and revealed that a police probe led by Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman found no evidence to substantiate the claims filed against him on August 11, 2025.
The investigation centered on an alleged incident on Saturday, August 30, 2025. McGill presented a detailed defense that he says was verified by police forensics and witness testimony:
McGill clarified that he was at Alpha Field for the entire day of the on August 30, 2025, with several prominent individuals, including Kelvin Sebwe and Attorney Kollie Dorko, rather than the SKD Sports Complex where the incident was alleged to have occurred.
The dismissed Deputy Youth and Sports Minister noted that he does not hold keys to his office and requires two specific staff members for access—neither of whom were present on that non-working Saturday.
McGill also maintained that he has had no contact with the accuser since his return to Liberia from the United States on August 8, 2025.
“The findings clearly established that the allegation could not be supported by facts, forensics, or circumstance,” McGill stated. “Innocence must not be ignored once facts are established.”
Despite the police exoneration, McGill lamented the “moral condemnation” he has faced in the court of public opinion. He called on the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Minister of Youth and Sports to act swiftly in light of the official findings to ensure truth and due process are upheld.
McGill also appealed to international partners and civil society groups—including UN Women, UNICEF, and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY)—to acknowledge the investigation’s outcome.
“Women’s rights must not be politicized or weaponized,” McGill added, while expressing hope that the actual perpetrator of the crime would be brought to justice to provide closure for the victim and her family.
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