AFL transfers rape probe findings to Defense Minister
The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia says it has submitted to the Minister of National Defense Maj. Gen. Prince Charles Johnson, III, said the Military Police Unit which is the investigative arm of the Armed Forces of Liberia has now concluded the investigation and submitted its findings to the AFL High Command for further actions.
The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) says it has submitted to the Minister of National Defense Maj. Gen. Daniel Ziankahn (Rtd), for his review and subsequent actions, the findings of the alleged rape case brought against AFL Lieutenant Colonel Nyankun E. Williams.
During a press conference held at AFL Headquarters Monday, 17 May, Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Prince Charles Johnson, III, said the Military Police Unit which is the investigative arm of the Armed Forces of Liberia has now concluded the investigation and submitted its findings to the AFL High Command for further actions.
“The report is hereby submitted to the Ministry of National Defense for the Honorable Minister’s review and subsequent actions, as necessary,” Gen. Johnson said.
The military chief recalled that on 26 April 2021, Sergeant Obento Roberts, a personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia serving on the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, formally complained a service member for alleged sexual intercourse with his (Roberts’) 16 years old daughter.
Having received the complaint, Gen. Johnson said the Military Police Criminal Investigation Cell through Headquarters 23rd Infantry Brigade was directed on 29 April to conduct a full – scale investigation into the complaint of alleged rape.
Additionally, he said Lt. Col. Williams was relieved of his post as Commandant of the Armed Forces Training Command (AFTC), while Sgt. Roberts was recalled from the peacekeeping mission to aid the Military Police in the investigation.
Based on the allegation, Gen. Johnson said on 22 April 2021, Sgt. Roberts instructed the victim’s elder sister to take the victim to a house around the ELWA general area and further instructed the house’s owner or the victim’s guardian, to take the victim for medical check-up.
On 26 April, Gen. Johnson continued, the victim was taken by the victim’s guardian to the Sexual and Gender – based Violence (SGBV) One Stop Center at Duport Road for medical examination based on Sgt. Obento Roberts’ instructions.
He said the medical examinations were conducted by a nurse at the SGBV One Stop Center at Duport Road. He added that the investigation revealed that the medical report was read on 6 May 2021 in the presence of the AFL investigators, the Liberia National Police representatives and the victim’s guardian.
A copy of the report was submitted to the AFL Military Police investigators, and it was interpreted for the AFL investigators by the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Zoe Parwon. By Winston W. Parley
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