Criminal Court “E” Judge Wesseh Alphonso Wesseh has scheduled Friday, October 23, 2026, to deliver a verdict in the trial of former Executive Protection Service (EPS) officer Peter Bon Jallah, who faces charges of gang rape, statutory rape and kidnapping.
The verdict date was set after the prosecution and defense presented their final legal arguments on Thursday, October 22, at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 13 general witnesses and six rebuttal witnesses. The defense, meanwhile, called eight general witnesses and three subpoenaed witnesses.
Jallah has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case centres on allegations involving a 16-year-old boy and has drawn public attention because of the seriousness of the charges and Jallah’s former position in the country’s security service.
During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from the alleged victim, police investigators, medical personnel and a forensic expert. The prosecution also introduced DNA evidence, which became a point of disagreement between the two sides.
The defense challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, raising questions about the medical findings, the alleged crime scenes and the interpretation of the forensic evidence.
On September 30, Judge Wesseh rejected a defense motion seeking Jallah’s acquittal, allowing the trial to continue. The judge’s decision did not amount to a finding of guilt but meant the case would proceed with the defense presenting its side.
With both parties having presented their evidence and final arguments, the judge is now expected to decide whether the prosecution has proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Friday’s ruling will determine whether Jallah is found guilty or acquitted of the charges.
He remains presumed innocent unless and until the court finds him guilty.
