As the Liberian Senate prepares to reconvene next week, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon is raising serious concerns about the handling of two rape cases involving government-affiliated individuals. The Senator has vowed to demand explanations from law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities over what he sees as a potential display of selective justice. Senator Dillon, in a recent public statement, questioned the Liberia National Police (LNP) and prosecution teams over the status of rape allegations against two men: Bryant McGill, the suspended Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Sando S. Kromah, a contractor at the Ministry of Agriculture.
“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?” the Senator asked. He continued, “And, what’s about the suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports who stands similarly accused? No DNA yet? If not, why?” Dillon emphasized that both cases must be handled with equal seriousness and transparency, warning that the police and prosecutors will be summoned to the Senate for questioning if they fail to account for the discrepancies. “The Police/Prosecution MUST answer these concerns or be made to answer before the Senate immediately upon our return to SESSION next week,” Dillon stated.
“We must not, and we should not, entertain any form of selective justice or the appearance, semblance of selective justice.” The case of Deputy Minister Bryant McGill involves allegations that he raped a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of a security officer at his ministry. Despite medical reports indicating the minor had been sexually assaulted, McGill has not been arrested. He has been suspended by President Joseph Boakai, and authorities maintain that investigations are still ongoing. Police say McGill has denied the allegations and remains under investigation. According to Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the LNP is conducting a geo-location analysis, reviewing CCTV footage, and seeking international assistance including DNA testing from foreign partners.
The investigative team also noted that they have interviewed all persons of interest. Meanwhile, in the case of Sando S. Kromah, the response was swift and decisive. Kromah, a procurement contractor with the Ministry of Agriculture, was arrested following an investigation into the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in Vai Town. He was formally charged with statutory rape and remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison by the City Court, where he awaits trial. The contrasting treatment of the two suspects has drawn public criticism and protests, especially from women’s rights groups and civil society activists who accuse the justice system of shielding political elites. The handling of the McGill case has sparked national outrage, with demonstrators staging protests outside LNP headquarters and demanding his immediate arrest. Protesters say the delay contradicts Liberia’s 2005 Rape Law, which classifies statutory rape as a non-bailable offense and a first-degree felony.
“We are tired of the delays,” one protester said. “If this were an ordinary Liberian, they’d be in jail already. But because McGill is a government official, the police are hesitating.” The protesters argue that the principle of due process is being applied unevenly, with ordinary citizens often imprisoned based solely on accusations, while high-profile suspects receive extended investigations and political cover. In response to growing public criticism, Inspector General Coleman defended the pace of the investigation, stating that authorities are focused on building a strong, evidence-based case. “This case requires a thorough investigation. International support is essential to establish the evidence necessary for a successful prosecution,” Coleman told reporters at a recent press conference. He added that the victim’s clothing has been preserved for forensic testing, and that the LNP is cooperating with international partners, including the U.S. Embassy, to secure DNA testing.
The Ministry of Justice has reiterated the need for due process, while the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has expressed continued support for the victim and called for accountability. As the Senate prepares to resume, Senator Dillon’s intervention may mark a turning point in public accountability for high-ranking officials. His call for immediate answers from law enforcement reflects a wider demand for fairness and transparency in the justice system. Observers say the government must act decisively to restore public confidence and demonstrate that no individual regardless of status is above the law. “The people are watching,” Senator Dillon warned. “Justice must not be selective.”
Author: Zac T. Sherman
