Monrovia – Liberian sports activities character and suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports activities J. Bryant McGill, has damaged silence over a latest rape allegation, declaring unequivocally: “I didn’t commit this act.”
By Willie N. Tokpah
His assertion comes simply days after the Inspector Normal of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman launched a preliminary report stating that the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) has exhausted all native investigative steps within the alleged rape case involving a 14-year-old minor and located no proof linking McGill to the accusation.
“Now that the Police have offered readability, confirming that the one remaining step is a DNA check, I want to as soon as once more reaffirm my place: I’m harmless and don’t have anything to cover,” McGill mentioned in a communication to FrontPageAfrica.
The case had stirred public outcry in latest weeks, with rumors circulating throughout radio speak exhibits and social media alleging McGill had fled the nation.
He firmly dispelled these claims, revealing that he had voluntarily surrendered his telephone and passport to police investigators.
LNP Awaits Overseas DNA Assist
In line with police sources, the one excellent step within the investigation is a DNA check, a process that Liberia at the moment lacks the technical capability to carry out.
As such, the LNP has reportedly sought help from the USA and Ghana to hold out the check.
“I’ll absolutely avail myself for any DNA check or further process required to deliver this matter to a detailed,” McGill added.
The LNP’s investigation reportedly discovered no direct or circumstantial proof tying McGill to the minor or to the scene of the alleged incident.
In his handle, McGill acknowledged that he has by no means spoken to, met, or had any type of engagement with the alleged sufferer.
“False and Malicious Allegation”
McGill described the accusation as a “false and malicious allegation designed to wreck my popularity and profession.”
In an in depth account, he recounted his whereabouts on varied dates in query.
On Saturday, August 30, McGill mentioned he was at Alpha Discipline in Paynesville for a lot of the day with a number of members of the Alpha Oldtimers Sports activities Affiliation, together with Trokon Roberts, Kelvin Sebwe, and Coach Lucretius Togba.
He claimed to have returned instantly residence that night, spending time watching televised soccer matches.
On Wednesday, August 27, McGill mentioned he left work early resulting from a severe finger damage brought on by a hoop and on Thursday, August 28, he adopted his common night commute routine, accompanied by his driver and two staffers.
He emphasised that his actions are well-documented and often accompanied by colleagues, making it “not possible” for him to be alone with the alleged sufferer.
Painful and Humiliating, Name for Calm
Regardless of what he described as a “painful and humiliating ordeal,” McGill thanked the Liberia Nationwide Police for what he referred to as an expert and clear investigation.
He additionally lauded to civil society organizations, ladies’s teams, and human rights advocates for advocating equity and due course of.
“I stand by my integrity, my service to nation, and my religion in justice,” he concluded.
“To the Liberian public, I ask for calm, objectivity, and equity.”
Public Response Divided
Reactions from the general public stay blended. Whereas some Liberians, significantly on social media, have expressed aid on the police’s findings, others have referred to as for the ultimate DNA check outcomes earlier than drawing conclusions.
Civil society actors proceed to emphasize the significance of defending the rights of each the accused and the alleged sufferer all through the authorized course of.
FrontPage Africa will proceed to watch developments within the case, together with any official statements from the LNP, the Ministry of Gender, and worldwide companions supporting the forensic part of the investigation.
