By Massa Kanneh
massakanneh@yahoo.com
Monrovia, Liberia—An official of the Ministry of Health Momolu Sirleaf has been sent to jail on allegation of rape.
A writ issued by Magistrate James Cooper of the Paynesville Magisterial Court alleges that Defendant Sirleaf raped his wife’s 11 year old niece.
According to the writ, the defendant has since been fingering the child while his wife was away to Ghana.
“When her aunty was in Ghana, you defendant firstly began to finger her,” the Magisterial Court says in its Writ.
It adds: “You defendant will call her in the room and have sex with her against her will and consent, thereby committing the crime of Statutory Rape in violation of the statue. The alleged act of you defendant is being criminal, wicked and intentional.”
The writ revealed that the defendant and the victim were left in their Kendja community residence.
The writ also alleges that each time victim’s aunt left the House, the defendant will convince the victim for sexual intercourse.
Chapter 14, Section 14.70 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia states that: “A person, who has sexual intercourse with another person (male or female) has committed rape if he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus, mouth or any other opening of another person (male or female) with his penis without the victim’s consent; or if he or she intentionally penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with a foreign object or with any other part of the body (other than the penis), without the victim’s consent.”
Before the matter had gone to court, the child’s mother, Ms. Amie Sheriff, had gone on social media—facebook— to seek the attention of the public, including President George Manneh Weah.
“With tears in my eyes, I am pleading with President Weah, the Justice Ministry, women groups and women of Liberia to please give me and my 11-year-old daughter justice.”
” Mr. Momolu V.O. Sirleaf, an employee of the Ministry of Health raped my 11-year-old daughter while she was under him and his wife’s care.”
