MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an investigation into a serious rape allegation involving an officer assigned at the Women and Children Protection Section at Ganta Zone-1 Base, in Nimba County.

Preliminary reports indicate that on Friday, May 8, 2026, a complaint involving an allegation of theft was formally reported to the Women and Children Protection Section by the parent of a sixteen-year-old female juvenile.

According to the complaint, the juvenile was accused of allegedly taking money from her parents’ mobile money business.

Following the initial complaint and pending further inquiry, the juvenile was temporarily placed in protective police custody in keeping with ongoing investigative procedures.

While in custody, Patrolman Wessay Weah was assigned responsibility for the juvenile’s security and supervision.

During the early morning hours of Saturday, the juvenile later returned to her family and alleged that she had been sexually assaulted while in police custody by the officer assigned to guard duty.

Patrolman Weah was promptly arrested and placed under police detention pending the outcome of the investigation.