— Acquits NSA Staff of Gang Rape; Defense Announces Supreme Court Appeal
MONROVIA, Liberia — Criminal Court “E” at the Temple of Justice has found 63-year-old Peter Bon Jallah, a staff member of the National Security Agency (NSA), guilty of statutory rape and kidnapping but not guilty of gang rape in a case involving a 16-year-old boy.
By Victoria Wesseh
The verdict was handed down Friday, October 23, 2026, by Assigned Circuit Judge Wesseh Alphonso Wesseh Sr., following final arguments by the prosecution and defense on Thursday.
Following the verdict, Judge Wesseh ordered Jallah’s remand at Monrovia Central Prison. However, the court had not announced the sentence 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.
The court acquitted Jallah of gang rape. The two other individuals allegedly involved in the incident on Camp Johnson Road were not presented during the trial.
Prosecution Presented 12 Witnesses
During the trial, prosecutors presented 12 witnesses, including the complainant, police investigators, medical personnel, and Rwandan forensic examiner Pascal Bavugirije.
The prosecution also relied on DNA findings that linked Jallah’s DNA profile to biological material recovered from four clothing exhibits.
However, the forensic examiner reportedly testified that the findings could not establish when or how the biological material was deposited.
Jallah had pleaded not guilty to all charges, while his defense challenged the prosecution’s evidence, citing alleged inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and limitations in the medical and forensic findings.
Defense Challenges Evidence, Plans Appeal
During Thursday’s final arguments, prosecution lawyer Cllr. Calvin H. Momolu urged the court to convict Jallah, arguing that the evidence presented during the trial supported a guilty verdict.
Defense lawyer Cllr. Sayeh countered that the prosecution had failed to establish the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense questioned the interpretation of medical and forensic findings, as well as aspects of the police investigation.
The competing arguments centered on witness testimony, medical findings, forensic evidence, and whether the prosecution had sufficiently established the elements of the charged offenses.
With the guilty verdict on two charges and the defense’s announced intention to appeal, the case is expected to proceed to the Supreme Court, where Jallah’s lawyers will seek a review of the lower court’s decision.
This news is breaking. More details to follow.