Suspect In Police Custody Awaiting Court Trial

PHOTO: Defendant Fredrick Weah claims he’s innocent

By Emmanuel Koffa

BEHWAN CITY, Grand Kru County- A little girl, age 10 has become one of the latest victims of statutory rape here in this southeastern Liberian city, as rape cases continues to rise in this West African nation.

Behwan Police have launched an investigation into the case, after arresting a man identified as Fredrick Weah, after he allegedly abused the minor.

Recently, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection released a report saying that rape make up 2,759 of the total number of 3,957 GBV cases recorded last year, 2024.

“The Ministry’s Annual GBV Report of 2024 highlights a total of (3,957) 3,591 cases of gender-based violence recorded, with rape alone constituting 2,759 cases. Out of the number of cases reported in 2024, women were the most victims at 3,554 while men at 37,” the report. How Liberia’s Gender-Based Violence Cases Jumped From 3,204 In 2023 To 3,957 In 2024 – News Public Trust

According to the police in Grand Kru County, the latest incident came to light at the weekend (December 5, 2025) around 12:20 p.m., when the station received report on the incident.

The survival is said to be a student and suspect Fredrick Weah, aged 18  is reported to be a resident of the same neighborhood known locally as “Sharpie Kilo,”

He is alleged to have committed the offense while the victim’s mother was away.

Following a tip-off, Trehn District Police Commander summoned the victim’s parents for verification.

The rape survival’s mother expressed concern over her daughter’s deteriorating health and unusual behavior, prior to seeking medical assistance at the local Health Center.

According to Police investigation, medical examination prompted the minor to disclose that Weah had forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with her and threatened her if she reported the incident.

After that, Fredrick Weah was promptly arrested, advised of his rights under Liberian law, and is currently be held in police custody, pending court trial.

He has however, denied the allegations.

The victim remains under medical care at local health center as police investigation continues.

Meanwhile, local authorities have assured citizens that they are treating the case with the utmost seriousness and are committed to due process of law.