MONROVIA, Liberia — Criminal Court “E” at the Temple of Justice has found 63-year-old Peter Bon Jallah guilty of statutory rape and kidnapping but not guilty of gang rape in a case involving a 16-year-old boy.
The verdict was handed down Friday, October 23, 2026, by Judge Wesseh Alphonso Wesseh Sr., following the conclusion of final arguments by the prosecution and defense on Thursday.
The court acquitted Jallah of gang rape after the two other individuals allegedly involved in the incident on Camp Johnson Road were not presented during the trial, according to information provided about the ruling.
Following the verdict, Judge Wesseh ordered Jallah’s remand at Monrovia Central Prison. However, the exact number of years he will serve was not announced at the time of reporting.
Defense lawyer Cllr. Wilfred Sayeh has announced plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Liberia, setting the stage for another legal battle over the verdict.
During the trial, prosecutors presented 12 witnesses, including the alleged victim, police investigators, medical personnel, and Rwandan forensic examiner Pascal Bavugirije. The prosecution also relied on DNA findings linking Jallah’s profile to biological material found on four clothing exhibits, although the forensic examiner said the findings could not establish when or how the material was deposited.
Jallah had pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense challenged the prosecution’s evidence, citing alleged inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and limitations in the medical and forensic findings.
With the guilty verdict on two charges and the planned appeal, the case is expected to move to the Supreme Court, where the defense will seek a review of the lower court’s decision.