Accused AFL Solider Exonerated of Rape Charge

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has exonerated Lt. Col. Nyankun E. Williams of rape allegations levied against him by Sgt. Obento Roberts for lack of evidence to link suspect Williams to the commission of the crime of rape.  

“Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, I seize this opportunity to inform you that the Ministry of Justice has exonerated LT. COL. Nyankun E. Williams from the allegation of rape levied against by Sgt. Obento Roberts”, said a statement posted on the Ministry of National Defense Facebook page on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

On April 26, 2021, Sergeant  Roberts, personnel of the Armed Forces Liberia who is presently serving the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions in Mali, formally complained Lieutenant Col. Williams to the Headquarters of AFL about having sexual intercourse with his 16 years old daughter. The complainant's communication was received on April 28, 2021.

Following the complaint, the AFL immediately instructed its Military Police Unit to commence an investigation into the allegation and submit findings to the MOJ.

According to a release, the Ministry of National Defense has an MoU with the MOJ for handling rape allegations.

“That any service member who is suspected or accused of committing serious offense or offenses against civilians, shall be turned over to the Ministry of Justice for investigation and prosecution in line with Article II of the MoU.”

The release further disclosed that on July 15, 2021, the Women and Children Protection Section turned over its investigative report to the MOJ. The report states “That all the statements recorded from witnesses during the investigation lack corroboration to link suspect Nyankun E. Williams to the commission of the crime RAPE.”

“Therefore, from facts and circumstances established during the investigation, the Women and Children Protection section of the Liberian National Police recommended that Suspect Lt. COL. Nyankun E. Williams is exonerated from the allegation of rape levied against him by Sgt. Obento Roberts on grounds of lack of evidence to link suspect Williams to the commission of the crime RAPE”. The release said.

“The MOJ has transmitted the findings of the investigation into an allegation of rape involving Lieutenant Colonel Nyankun E. Williams to the Ministry of National Defense. 

The AFL remains a “FORCE FOR GOOD”, upholding professionalism and discipline in line with the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and the National Defense Act of 2008. We appreciate the support from all our counterparts, especially the Liberian National Police during the period of this investigation,” the release indicated.