By: Our contributing writer
Monrovia, Montserrado County – A storm of public outrage is intensifying after Sinoe County Senator Augustine Chea accused the Liberia National Police (LNP) of shielding former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports J. Bryant McGill from arrest over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl.
The lawmaker is questioning why McGill, a senior government official, remains a free man nearly two weeks after the accusation was made, calling the police’s inaction an “obstruction of justice” and a “political cover-up.”
“Is he untouchable? Nobody should be above the law because of their position or political connections,” Senator Chea said in a strongly worded statement released Thursday.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman has argued that DNA or forensic evidence is necessary before McGill can be arrested, suggesting that investigators are awaiting scientific confirmation before proceeding. But Senator Chea rejected that position outright, insisting that Liberian law does not require DNA evidence to detain a rape suspect.
“No DNA or forensic evidence is required to arrest a criminal suspect,” Senator Chea countered. “If so, on what forensic evidence did the police arrest and charge former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and others for arson? Or does the Inspector General apply different standards for different suspects?”
Chea accused the police of “weaponizing the law” — acting swiftly against opposition figures but dragging their feet when allies of the ruling establishment are implicated.
The senator laid out a series of facts that, in his view, amount to clear probable cause for arrest:
The 14-year-old girl alleged she was raped.
A medical examination confirmed penetration and injury consistent with assault.
The victim identified Deputy Minister McGill as the perpetrator.
Investigators reportedly obtained video footage linked to the case.
“These facts alone are enough for an arrest. The police do not need trial-level evidence or DNA to act. Shielding McGill under the pretext of lack of DNA is nothing short of political protection,” Chea emphasized.
A Question of Equal Justice
The senator’s intervention touches on a wider concern: whether Liberia’s justice system applies different standards based on political affiliation. Critics have long accused the police of acting selectively, with opposition leaders facing swift arrests while allies of the ruling party benefit from delays or non-action.
Chea said this pattern undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system. “Professionalism is dead, sadly. The police under Gregory Coleman have become too partisan,” he lamented.
Under Liberian law, rape — especially of a minor — is considered statutory rape, a grave, non-bailable offense punishable under Title 26, Section 14.70 of the Penal Code as amended.
“Rape is a heinous crime that violates the dignity of the victim, leaving lasting emotional and psychological scars,” Chea said. “This case involves a child. A 14-year-old child. That alone should spur urgent action.”
Legal experts note that while DNA evidence is often valuable for prosecution, it is not a precondition for arrest. Arrests can be made on reasonable suspicion or probable cause, with forensic testing to follow during the investigation phase.
Civil society groups and women’s rights advocates are also weighing in, calling for accountability and action. Many argue that failure to arrest McGill not only risks obstructing justice but also sends a dangerous message that powerful individuals can evade the law.
Chea’s public challenge may intensify political and public pressure on the LNP to act decisively.
“The time for cover-up is over. Arrest J. Bryant McGill now,” Chea concluded.
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