Monrovia – Liberian sports personality and suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports J. Bryant McGill, has broken silence over a recent rape allegation, declaring unequivocally: “I did not commit this act.”
By Willie N. Tokpah
His statement comes just days after the Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman released a preliminary report stating that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has exhausted all local investigative steps in the alleged rape case involving a 14-year-old minor and found no evidence linking McGill to the accusation.
“Now that the Police have provided clarity, confirming that the only remaining step is a DNA test, I wish to once again reaffirm my position: I am innocent and have nothing to hide,” McGill said in a communication to FrontPageAfrica.
The case had stirred public outcry in recent weeks, with rumors circulating across radio talk shows and social media alleging McGill had fled the country.
He firmly dispelled those claims, revealing that he had voluntarily surrendered his phone and passport to police investigators.
LNP Awaits Foreign DNA Support
According to police sources, the only outstanding step in the investigation is a DNA test, a procedure that Liberia currently lacks the technical capacity to perform.
As such, the LNP has reportedly sought assistance from the United States and Ghana to carry out the test.
“I will fully avail myself for any DNA test or additional procedure required to bring this matter to a close,” McGill added.
The LNP’s investigation reportedly found no direct or circumstantial evidence tying McGill to the minor or to the scene of the alleged incident.
In his address, McGill stated that he has never spoken to, met, or had any form of engagement with the alleged victim.
“False and Malicious Allegation”
McGill described the accusation as a “false and malicious allegation designed to damage my reputation and career.”
In a detailed account, he recounted his whereabouts on various dates in question.
On Saturday, August 30, McGill said he was at Alpha Field in Paynesville for most of the day with several members of the Alpha Oldtimers Sports Association, including Trokon Roberts, Kelvin Sebwe, and Coach Lucretius Togba.
He claimed to have returned directly home that evening, spending time watching televised football matches.
On Wednesday, August 27, McGill said he left work early due to a serious finger injury caused by a ring and on Thursday, August 28, he followed his regular evening commute routine, accompanied by his driver and two staffers.
He emphasized that his movements are well-documented and usually accompanied by colleagues, making it “impossible” for him to be alone with the alleged victim.
Painful and Humiliating, Call for Calm
Despite what he described as a “painful and humiliating ordeal,” McGill thanked the Liberia National Police for what he called a professional and transparent investigation.
He also lauded to civil society organizations, women’s groups, and human rights advocates for advocating fairness and due process.
“I stand by my integrity, my service to country, and my faith in justice,” he concluded.
“To the Liberian public, I ask for calm, objectivity, and fairness.”
Public Reaction Divided
Reactions from the public remain mixed. While some Liberians, particularly on social media, have expressed relief at the police’s findings, others have called for the final DNA test results before drawing conclusions.
Civil society actors continue to stress the importance of protecting the rights of both the accused and the alleged victim throughout the legal process.
FrontPage Africa will continue to monitor developments in the case, including any official statements from the LNP, the Ministry of Gender, and international partners supporting the forensic phase of the investigation.
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