Authorities have arrested Augustine T. Lender, the man accused of killing his girlfriend, Dearest Paye, in the Omega Community of Montserrado County, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that sparked public outrage.
The arrest was announced Tuesday following a coordinated cross-border operation involving security authorities in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Montserrado County District #3 Representative Sumo Mulbah, who had publicly championed efforts to bring the suspect to justice, confirmed the arrest and disclosed that the process to extradite Lender from Sierra Leone to Liberia has commenced. The lawmaker said all necessary legal procedures are being initiated to ensure the suspect is returned to face formal prosecution under Liberian law.
According to an official statement, Lender was apprehended by the Sierra Leone Police following a joint operation involving the Liberia National Police (LNP) Interpol Section, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police, and other security partners.
The statement credited several institutions and individuals for supporting the operation, including the Parliament of Sierra Leone, CID Commander Mohamed Feika, Crime Officer personnel, the LNP Interpol Section, and the Omega Depot Commander for their roles in tracking and arresting the suspect.
The killing of Dearest Paye drew widespread condemnation from residents of the Omega Community and reignited concerns over violence against women in Liberia.
Authorities have assured the public that all legal requirements are being pursued to secure the suspect’s extradition so he can stand trial in Liberia.
