By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah has called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to immediately arrest the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports accused of raping his underage daughter, describing the crime as a “first-degree felony” that must not be compromised.
In a bold statement issued Thursday, the lawmaker stressed that the minister in question should “turn yourself over to implement the direct mandate of the laws that consider rape a felony crime for all public servants.”
Rep. Mulbah praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for swiftly suspending the Deputy Minister but insisted that suspension is not enough. “There’s a clear reason why the police should arrest the Deputy Minister accused of rape now: rape is a serious crime, and no one, regardless of their position, is above the law,” he declared.
He added that while lawmakers do not interfere with criminal investigations, they have a constitutional responsibility to speak out when the rights of citizens are under attack. “Not all 73 lawmakers must speak before an action is taken, but a constituent can through their lawmaker,” he noted.
Mulbah directly appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, describing him as “a professional and good man” who must act impartially. “We are watching to see the transparency from the Liberia National Police in the next 24 hours,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that failure to arrest the accused official would erode public trust in institutions and fuel impunity. “The police’s job is to uphold the law impartially, ensuring justice is served and that victims get protection. Failing to act weakens the rule of law,” he added.
Rep. Mulbah cautioned that Liberia cannot afford selective justice. “The National Code of Conduct guides ethical governance, but rape is a criminal matter. The police and judiciary must enforce it without fear or favor,” he argued.
He also lashed out at civil society groups, accusing some of being silent on pressing issues. “It’s really frustrating to have nonstop debates with civil society about laws, yet their voices often fall on deaf ears when it comes to wasteful spending and rape cases,” Mulbah lamented.
In the same statement, the lawmaker raised concerns about fake social media accounts impersonating him. “There are three fake accounts on Facebook pretending to be me. I’ve reported them, but they keep creating new ones,” he said, warning supporters not to transact or interact with such pages.
Mulbah clarified that he maintains only one official Facebook account under his full name, “Mr. Sumo K. Mulbah,” and disowned pages labeled “Honorable” or “Hon.”
The lawmaker concluded by urging all public officials to embrace transparency and integrity. “As legislators, when civil society refuses to speak out against the ills of society, we must step up. We have a responsibility to the Liberian people,” he said.
Rep. Mulbah’s remarks come amid mounting public pressure for accountability in the high-profile rape allegation, with activists and rights groups also demanding swift prosecution.
