The Pleebo Magisterial Court has sentenced 38-year-old Joshua Odarbeh to one year in prison for attempting to traffic his own 11-year-old son.
Odarbeh was arrested by the Criminal Service Division of the Liberian National Police (LNP) in Pleebo after allegedly trying to sell his son, Prosperous Odarbeh, to a local businessman identified as Abraham Weah, popularly known as DJ Cassava Leaf.
Jimmy T. Kaydor, head of the LNP’s Criminal Service Division in Pleebo, confirmed that Odarbeh was formally charged with criminal attempt to commit Trafficking In Persons and swiftly brought before the court.
On Wednesday, April 9, Odarbeh pleaded guilty and begged for leniency. However, the court handed down a one-year prison sentence to be served at Harper Central Prison.
The ruling has been met with widespread approval from residents, who see it as a crucial step in combating child exploitation in Maryland County.
Martha Nimely, a well-known community advocate who followed the case closely, praised the court’s decision.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such swift justice,” Nimely said. “This should serve as a lesson to those who think selling or harming a child is acceptable, no matter the circumstances.”
Her remarks alluded to troubling beliefs in some communities where children are falsely accused of witchcraft, a harmful superstition sometimes used to justify abuse or abandonment.
Local leaders hope this case will set a precedent, encouraging stricter enforcement of laws against human trafficking and child exploitation. Many residents see the ruling as a sign that the justice system is taking such crimes more seriously.
As Odarbeh begins his prison term, the case has sparked discussions about the need for stronger child protection measures in Maryland County. Activists are calling for increased awareness campaigns, better support for vulnerable families, and harsher penalties for traffickers.
For now, the community is relieved that justice was served, and hopeful that this marks the beginning of a safer future for Liberia’s children.
