Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has disclosed that following a thorough investigation conducted by the Ministry of Justice, there is no evidence linking suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, J. Bryant McGill, to the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl. According to Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the final step in the process would be a DNA test, which has not yet been conducted due to technical challenges.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh – [email protected]
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, IG Coleman revealed that investigators had analyzed McGill’s phone records and found no incriminating evidence.
“We have exhausted his cellphone records. We had two last tests — that of his phone and the DNA test. The phone analysis has come back, and we still don’t have anything incriminating to have him charged,” IG Coleman told journalists.
He explained that the police are now awaiting assistance to conduct DNA testing, as the necessary machines in Liberia are currently nonfunctional.
“At this point, the last thing we’re looking at is whether we can find anything from his DNA analysis. Unfortunately, the machines here are not working. So, we’ve asked the government for help, and we’re still waiting for a response,” Coleman disclosed.
Investigation Not Closed
Despite the absence of evidence linking McGill to the crime, the Police Chief stressed that the investigation remains open.
“The investigation is not closed. Something may have happened to the little girl, and we will get to the bottom of it,” IG Coleman assured.
Deputy Minister McGill was accused of sexually molesting a 14-year girl. President Joseph Boakai suspended him pending investigation. However, the police have maintained it has not found concrete evidence to arrest him. This has led to public condemnation, with civil society organizations and human rights advocates accusing the police of being partial in handling the case.
However, Coleman said cautioned against allowing emotions to interfere with the investigative process, saying the police must remain professional and impartial.
“If we allow our emotions to drive this case, then we’ve already failed. Emotions have been high for all of us in this particular case, but unfortunately, we just have not been able to establish probable cause,” Coleman stated.
According to him, the case presents “electronic contradictions” that make it difficult for investigators to proceed with an arrest.
“What makes this case unique is that there is electronic evidence that contradicts the claims made. On the basis of that, we cannot ignore clear contradictions and make an arrest. No one is above the law, and as you know, Mr. McGill has already been suspended,” he said.
‘We’re Enforcers, Not Lawyers’
IG Coleman clarified that the LNP’s findings were supported by a joint investigation involving the Ministry of Gender and state prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice.
“In this case, the prosecutor says based on the findings, he does not have anything to prosecute. So, don’t just put it on me. Call the prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice — if they believe there’s something to prosecute, let them tell us. We are not lawyers; we are enforcers,” he emphasized.
He added that police operations are guided by evidence, not public pressure or speculation.
“When people are accused, we establish probable cause. We have to contact both the suspect and the victim. Someone has to say, ‘Yes, we saw the victim,’ before we can make an arrest. You cannot just call people’s names without any connection and expect the police to act,” Coleman explained.
No Cover-Up, Says Police Chief
The Police Inspector General dismissed suggestions that the case was being suppressed or influenced by politics, describing the investigation as transparent and evidence-driven.
“Nobody is trying to cover things here. I told you that I don’t know McGill from anywhere — and even if I did, I would not put my career on the line for him. This case is based on good evidence, and good evidence only,” he stressed.
McGill Breaks Silence
Meanwhile, suspended Deputy Minister McGill has maintained that his “conscience is clear,” his “faith remains firm,” and his “confidence in the justice system of Liberia is unwavering.”
In a statement issued on his 24th wedding anniversary, titled “Biblical Narratives That Mirror My Situation,” McGill likened his ordeal to that of Biblical figures such as Joseph, Daniel, and David — men who, he said, were wrongfully accused but later vindicated by God.
“Integrity will always outlive false accusation,” McGill wrote, referencing the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. He added that “no scheme against the righteous can stand before God,” citing the example of Daniel in the lions’ den.
McGill said he continues to trust in God’s justice and Liberia’s legal system. “Evil may hide for a time, but light always uncovers darkness. My conscience is clear, my faith remains firm, and my confidence in the justice system of Liberia is unwavering,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Liberians and international partners “who have stood in prayer, patience, and fairness during this process.”
He concluded his post by thanking those who have supported him throughout the ongoing investigation. “I thank all Liberians and international partners who have stood in prayer, patience, and fairness during this process,” the statement read.
His latest remarks are consistent with an earlier statement issued to FrontPage Africa, in which he categorically denied the allegation, stating: “I did not commit this act.”
In the statement, McGill described the accusation as a “false and malicious allegation designed to damage my reputation and career.”
Providing a detailed account of his whereabouts, McGill said that on Saturday, August 30, he was at Alpha Field in Paynesville for most of the day with several members of the Alpha Oldtimers Sports Association, including Trokon Roberts, Kelvin Sebwe, and Coach Lucretius Togba. He claimed he returned directly home that evening and spent time watching televised football matches.
