Liberians React as Alleged NSA Sodomy Suspect Walks Free-Handed Into Court

Monrovia, Liberia : Public outrage is growing in Monrovia after a 63-year-old official of Liberia’s National Security Agency (NSA), charged in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a minor, was seen appearing in court without handcuffs and seemingly unbothered, sparking criticism from journalists, lawyers, and citizens who say the case reflects unequal justice in Liberia.

The accused, Peter Bonor Jallah Jr., was recently sent to court on allegations of aggravated involuntary sodomy involving a teenage boy.

The court appearance ignited widespread anger online after photos and videos circulated showing the accused smiling and walking freely, a scene many Liberians described as insulting and traumatic, particularly given the nature of the allegations.

President of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), Madam Lisa Tenneh Diasay, condemned what she called “insensitivity” toward victims and the public.

Diasay questioned why the accused appeared cheerful and unrestricted, warning that such scenes promote impunity and worsen public frustration over how Liberia handles sexual violence cases.

Former EPA Executive Director Randall Massaquoi Dobayou II also criticized the situation, comparing it to cases where alleged low-level offenders face harsh treatment.

Dobayou argued that suspects in minor drug-related cases are often restrained and mistreated, while individuals accused of serious crimes may receive favorable handling.

However, longtime female court reporter Garmah Lomo urged the public to separate handcuffing from guilt, explaining that suspects are often restrained only when they pose threats or attempt to flee.

She also outlined the legal process that reportedly led to the accused being seen without handcuffs.

According to Lomo, the accused was not brought directly from police custody to court. She stated that his legal team filed a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that he had been held beyond the legal 48-hour timeframe without formal charges.

Lomo explained that after the habeas corpus matter was heard at Criminal Court “C,” the accused’s rights were restored. She further noted that upon leaving court, he was served a writ of arrest by sheriffs of the Monrovia City Court, and the matter continued.

According to the charge sheet, Peter Bonor Jallah Jr., and others yet to be identified, allegedly sodomized the teenage boy on multiple occasions including:

• November 29, 2025

• December 24, 2025

• January 1–3, 2026

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identities of the additional suspects mentioned in the document.

Adding a legal and political dimension to the debate, Liberian Senator and lawyer Cllr. Augustine Chea raised concerns about what he described as inconsistent policing standards in sexual offence cases.

In a strongly-worded statement, Senator Chea questioned the evidentiary basis for the arrest, detention, and referral of Jallah to court.

Chea compared the case to another high-profile sexual offence allegation involving suspended Deputy Youth and Sports Minister J. Bryant McGill, where police reportedly declined to arrest the suspect earlier, citing lack of DNA evidence.

Chea argued that Liberian criminal procedure does not require DNA evidence as a precondition for arrest, stating that the police can arrest where there is reasonable suspicion an offence has occurred.

He noted that credible factors such as:

• victim statements

• witness accounts

• medical reports

• surrounding circumstances

can lawfully support probable cause at the arrest stage.

Chea warned that applying DNA as a strict requirement in one case but not in another creates the impression of selective justice, undermining public trust and constitutional protections.

He referenced Article 11(c) of the Liberian Constitution on equality before the law and Article 20(a) on liberty and due process, arguing that the justice system becomes compromised when enforcement is inconsistent.