A 38-year-old man, Joshua Odarbeh of Pleebo, Maryland County, was arrested on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, for allegedly trying to sell his 11-year-old son, Prosperous Odarbeh. The arrest came after a carefully planned operation involving a local businessman and musician, Abraham Weah, popularly known as DJ Cassava Leaf.
The incident began when Odarbeh sent a text message to DJ Cassava Leaf, expressing his intention to sell his son. Instead of ignoring the message, Weah decided to act. He responded cautiously, suggesting that such a sensitive matter shouldn’t be discussed over the phone and proposing a face-to-face meeting. To ensure Odarbeh would show up, Weah even offered to cover his transportation costs from Grand Kru to Maryland County.
When Odarbeh arrived at Weah’s business center, the police were already waiting. The arrest was swift, and Odarbeh was taken into custody at the Pleebo Police Depot.
When questioned by reporters, Odarbeh offered a startling explanation for his actions. He claimed that his decision to sell his son was the result of a “Satanic attack.” He admitted to knowing DJ Cassava Leaf since 2020 and revealed that he had been purchasing phones from Weah’s shop since 2023. However, he denied any previous involvement in human trafficking, stating, “I only decided to get in touch with him to see if he is interested.”
While Odarbeh’s claim of a “Satanic attack” may sound unusual, it raises important questions about the underlying factors that could drive someone to such a desperate act. Poverty, mental health struggles, or even involvement in a larger criminal network could be at play. Authorities are now investigating whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader human trafficking operation.
This case has sent ripples through Maryland County and beyond, prompting discussions about the challenges facing many families in Liberia. Economic hardship, lack of access to mental health resources, and the prevalence of human trafficking are serious issues that need urgent attention.
DJ Cassava Leaf, who played a key role in ensuring Odarbeh’s arrest, has also been invited for questioning by the police. This is likely to clarify the nature of his prior interactions with the suspect and ensure that all angles of the case are thoroughly examined.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the implications of this case. Was this a one-time act of desperation, or is it a sign of a larger, more systemic problem? Authorities are working to uncover the truth, and more updates are expected as the case unfolds.
Source: Today Liberia TV
