Liberian police have taken into custody a 53-year-old woman, Oretha Channie, over allegations that she attempted to sell a 10-year-old girl in what authorities describe as a disturbing case of suspected child trafficking.
Police sources disclosed that the minor, whose identity is being withheld for her safety, had been living with the suspect before the incident. The alleged offense occurred in the King Gray Community of Paynesville, on the outskirts of Monrovia.
Investigators say Channie allegedly initiated contact with a man to negotiate the sale of the child. That individual reportedly confided in his brother, who advised that the matter be reported to a journalist. During follow-up interactions, Channie was allegedly recorded discussing the transaction with individuals she believed were prospective buyers.
According to police, the audio recording was made by Ernest Dossen, a journalist with Shaita FM. Authorities further revealed that Channie was later informed that the conversation had been recorded and preserved as evidence.
Following her arrest, Channie allegedly made alarming statements to investigators, including boasting that she was “the Devil,” police sources said. Despite this, she has denied the accusations, insisting that she only took the child to Red Light Market to purchase hair products and not to sell her.
Investigators, however, raised questions about her explanation, noting that Channie failed to account for why she transported the child to Careysburg, approximately a 30-minute drive from Red Light, if the sole purpose was shopping.
The child has since been placed under the care of the Women and Children Protection Section at the Careysburg Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Authorities say the minor may undergo a medical examination in keeping with standard child protection procedures.
Channie remains in police custody as investigations continue. Law enforcement officials say additional evidence is being gathered, and formal charges could follow, depending on the outcome of the probe.
Police sources familiar with the contents of the video evidence allege that Channie initially demanded US$10,000 for the child. The purported buyers reportedly countered with US$1,500, prompting further negotiations in which Channie allegedly insisted on no less than US$4,000. During the discussion, she is said to have claimed the child was a virgin and therefore “costly.”
“She is heard in the video saying this is her regular business during election periods,” a source close to the investigation revealed. “She also claimed she had another person, an adult friend who drinks alcohol, whom she could sell if this transaction went through.”
If formally charged, Channie could face prosecution for human and child trafficking, offenses that carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Liberia’s anti-trafficking efforts are guided by the Revised Act to Ban Trafficking in Persons Within the Republic of Liberia (2021), which strengthened the country’s legal framework by amending the 2005 law to align with international standards, including the Palermo Protocol.
