CAREYSBURG, Montserrado County – A 53-year-old woman, identified as Oretha Channie, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell a 10-year-old girl, FrontPage Africa has reliably learned.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway & Willie Tokpah
Police sources confirmed that the child, whose identity is being withheld for protection, had been living with the suspect prior to the incident in the King Gray Community, Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
According to investigators, Channie allegedly contacted a man to discuss the sale of the minor. The man reportedly disclosed the information to his brother, who advised that a journalist be contacted.
During subsequent interactions, Channie was allegedly recorded while discussing the transaction with individuals she believed were potential buyers. The recording, police sources say, was made by Ernest Dossen, a journalist with Shaita FM. Authorities further disclosed that Channie was later informed that the conversation had been recorded.
Following her arrest, Channie allegedly boasted that she was “the Devil,” according to police sources. However, she denied the allegations, claiming she had merely taken the child to Red Light Market to buy hair, not to sell her.
Investigators noted that the suspect failed to explain why she transported the child to Careysburg, about half an hour drive, if the purpose was only to shop in Red Light.
The child is currently under the protection of the Women and Children Protection Section at the Careysburg Detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP), while Channie remains in police custody. Authorities say the child may undergo a medical examination in line with standard child protection procedures.
Police are continuing their investigation and gathering evidence. Depending on the outcome, Channie could be formally charged and forwarded to court for trial.
According to information contained in the video now in police custody, the suspect allegedly demanded US$10,000 for the child, but the purported buyers insisted on paying US$1,500. The discussion reportedly continued, with Channie allegedly insisting on at least US$4,000, claiming the child was a virgin and therefore “costly.”
“She is heard in the video telling the individuals that this is her regular business around election periods,” a source familiar with the investigation said. “She also claimed she had another Person—an adult friend who drinks alcohol—whom she could sell if this deal succeeded.”
If charged, Channie could face prosecution for human and child trafficking, a serious offense punishable by lengthy prison terms.
Liberia’s anti-trafficking framework is governed by the Revised Act to Ban Trafficking in Persons Within the Republic of Liberia (2021), which amended the 2005 law to align with international standards, including the Palermo Protocol.
The post Liberia: Woman, 53 Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Sell 10-Year-Old Girl appeared first on FrontPageAfrica.
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