The government-run Liberia News Agency (LINA) has reported that amid concerns raised by citizens and residents about the high wave of rape and drug abuse in Lofa County, a man believed to be in his late 60s identified as Lansana Pujjeh, has been arrested and incarcerated at the Voinjama Central Prison for allegedly raping a nine-year old girl.
Suspect Pujjeh allegedly committed the act last week in Vahun. Reports say Puijeh called the victim to his room to help him do some chores.
Explaining her ordeal to officers of the Judicial Department at the Women and Children Protection section of the Lofa County detachment of the Liberia National Police (LNP) in Vahun City, Vahun District, the victim explained that after she and Pujjeh entered his room he forcibly raped her.
“When Puijeh realized that his penis could not penetrate my private part, he used his finger to sexually abuse me, and even threatened to harm or kill me when I raise alarm,” she explained to the police.
During police preliminary investigation, suspect Pujjeh admitted committing the act, and pleaded for forgiveness.
Suspect Pujjeh has been charged with the crime of rape and was on Monday, August 16, incarcerated at the Voinjama Central Prison awaiting court trial.
According to the LINA Correspondent in the area, rape is on the increase in Lofa County; and this has prompted calls by residents on their lawmakers to join other colleagues at the 54th Legislature to pass laws seeking tougher and harsher punishments for rapists, drug traffickers and dealers.
It can be recalled, on Monday, August 9, 2021, in her charge during the formal opening of the 10th Judicial Circuit Court for its August 2021 Term of Court, Resident Judge Nancy Finda Sammy Kpakillin disclosed that rape and drug abuse topped cases on the court’s docket, and stressed the urgent need to contain them.
