The Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that its Deputy Minister for Youth Development, J. Bryant McGill, is facing a serious criminal investigation over allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of the Ministry’s Deputy Chief of Security.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, told Verity News that the Liberia National Police (LNP) is in full control of the case and that an impartial investigation is underway. He stressed that his leadership upholds a strict zero-tolerance stance on sexual misconduct and unethical behavior.
“Yes, we can confirm the case is with the police. Investigation is ongoing. At the Ministry under my watch, there is zero tolerance for unethical behavior, especially sexual misconduct. We are not taking this lightly,” Minister Bangalu asserted.
The allegations, first brought to the police by the victim’s father, Christopher Davis, who also works within the Ministry, have ignited public outrage. The case gained further traction after disturbing audio recordings surfaced, including one in which Davis recounts the alleged assault on his daughter. These revelations have triggered widespread demands for accountability and transparency at the highest levels of government.
In response, the Ministry has formally accepted McGill’s request for a leave of absence, forwarding it to the President’s office to ensure that the ongoing investigation is free from any perception of interference. The leave takes immediate effect, pending the conclusion of the matter.
In an official statement, the Ministry said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and reaffirmed its commitment to justice, integrity, and the safety of young people. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, as they center on the fundamental principles of justice, integrity, and the safety of our citizens, particularly young people,” the statement read.
The Ministry also called on the public and media to allow the Liberia National Police to conduct their work without disruption, promising further updates as new information emerges.
This case has rattled the Ministry of Youth and Sports, raising urgent questions about the safeguarding of minors and ethical accountability within public institutions.
