Group of 77 Nimba Coordinator guilty of Statutory Rape

By: S. Matthew M. Quoi, Jr., Nimba County

SANNIQUELLIE, Liberia; September 25, 2025 –A high-profile statutory rape case in Nimba County reached a major turning point on Tuesday, September 23, when jury found the County Coordinator of the Group of 77, Amos T. Gbawon, guilty of sexually abusing a toddler.

Mr. Gbawon, 52, who lives with a disability, was accused of sexually abusing a 1-year and 11-month-old girl in Sanniquellie City.

The case was heard at the Sexual Offenses Division Court of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County. The jury deliberated extensively before returning a verdict. Out of 12 trial jurors, 10 voted to convict, while 2 voted for acquittal.

This majority decision was enough to declare the defendant guilty under Liberian law. The trial began on September 16, 2025, and lasted just over a week, drawing significant public attention due to the sensitivity of the case.

The defendant had consistently pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. However, the prosecution, led by the Ministry of Justice, presented a strong case supported by witness testimony and medical evidence.

A ten-count indictment was filed against Mr. Gbawon, alleging that he forcibly undressed the child and sexually abused her in multiple ways. According to the indictment, the abuse involved the use of his penis, fingers, and other blunt or foreign objects.

The venue of the crime was particularly disturbing, being the Headquarters of Persons Living with Disability in Sanniquellie, where the defendant served as County Coordinator.

Prosecutors argued that the defendant’s actions were deliberate, coercive, and represented a gross abuse of trust. The defense countered by portraying the defendant as incapable of committing the crime.

During testimony, Mr. Gbawon insisted that the child had only been in his care briefly, as he often looked after children in the community, acting as a sort of grandfather figure.

He further claimed that due to multiple hernia surgeries, he had become impotent and was advised by doctors to abstain from sexual activity.

To support this claim, the defense requested subpoenas for medical records relating to his surgeries and condition. The court granted the motion, and the reports were reviewed during trial.

Despite the defense’s arguments, two key medical reports told a different story.
Doctors from G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie and Ganta United Methodist Hospital confirmed that penetration had occurred.

Although the exact cause of the penetration could not be fully established, the findings aligned with the prosecution’s case. This medical evidence strongly influenced the jury’s decision to convict.

In announcing the verdict, the court emphasized the seriousness of crimes against children, particularly given the age of the victim.

Resident Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, presiding over the matter, ordered that a pre-sentence investigation report be prepared. The court also set October 1, 2025, as the date for formal sentencing, at which time the defendant could face a lengthy prison term.

The outcome of this case sends a strong message about accountability, even for individuals in positions of influence or authority within the community. Editing by Jonathan Browne