10/10/2025
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LNP Charges Liberian Pastor with Kidnapping and Criminal Conspiracy
MONROVIA -The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged and forwarded to court a local clergyman, Pastor Jenkins Johnson, alongside Musu G. Quaye, for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and criminal conspiracy concerning a 14-year-old minor.
According to the police charge sheet, the case stems from a complaint filed by Michael S. Quaye, who accused his wife, Musu G. Quaye, of conspiring with Pastor Johnson to unlawfully remove their 14-year-old son from their home without his knowledge or consent.
Police investigators allege that the act occurred beginning March 2, 2024, and continued for several months. During that period, the minor was allegedly kept in an undisclosed location under the supervision of Pastor Johnson, reportedly with the full cooperation of Mrs. Quaye.
Following the investigation, the Monrovia City Court, presided over by His Honor Ben L. Barco, issued a Writ of Arrest on August 8, 2025, describing the alleged act as “unlawful, wicked, illegal, and intentional.”
After reviewing the police charge sheet and sworn affidavits, Judge Barco ordered the immediate remand of Pastor Johnson to the Monrovia Central Prison pending full trial.
Excerpt from the Court’s Remand Order
In his written ruling, Judge Barco stated:
“The evidence presented before this court, though preliminary, establishes probable cause to believe that the defendants, Pastor Jenkins Johnson and Musu G. Quaye, acted in concert to unlawfully remove and conceal a minor child against the will of his father. Such conduct constitutes a grave breach of the peace and a direct violation of Sections 14.50 and 10.4 of the New Penal Law of Liberia. Accordingly, the defendant Pastor Jenkins Johnson is hereby ordered remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison, and co-defendant Musu G. Quaye is to remain under court supervision pending further legal proceedings.
What this means for the Pastor:
Section 14.50 — Kidnapping
“A person is guilty of kidnapping if he unlawfully removes another from his place of residence or business, or a substantial distance from the vicinity where he is found, or if he unlawfully confines another for a substantial period in a place of isolation, with any of the following purposes: (a) to hold for ransom or reward; (b) to use as a shield or hostage; (c) to facilitate commission of any felony or flight thereafter; (d) to inflict bodily injury or to terrorize the victim or another; or (e) to interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function.”
Penalty:
“Kidnapping is a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment or any term of not less than ten (10) years.”
Section 10.4 Criminal Conspiracy:
“A person is guilty of conspiracy if, with the purpose of promoting or facilitating the commission of a crime, he agrees with one or more persons that they or one or more of them will engage in conduct constituting such crime or an attempt or solicitation to commit such crime.”
Penalty:
“A person convicted of conspiracy is subject to the same grade of punishment prescribed for the offense that was the object of the conspiracy.”
Possible Sentence if convicted of both offenses:
Pastor Jenkins Johnson and Musu G. Quaye could each face life imprisonment, or a minimum term of ten (10) years, as prescribed by the New Penal Law of Liberia.Given that Criminal Conspiracy carries the same grade of punishment as Kidnapping, both defendants may face identical sentencing terms upon conviction.
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