By Ben T. C. Brooks
Zwedru, Grand Gedeh – [May 28, 2025] – Grand Gedeh detachment of the Liberia National Police has arrested and sent to the Zwedru Magisterial Court 35-year-old women identified as Esther Bawo, for child custody interference and trafficking.
As reported by the Women and Children Section of the Liberia National Police, Esther was taken into custody on May 24, 2025, along with five girls at the Gbarbo Town checkpoint, located about one kilometer from Zwedru.
The girls involved include 20-year-old Grace Paye, whose mother is Betty Blagbey from the Cardwell Peace community; 14-year-old Blessing Kosugbah, who lives with her grandmother, Yah Tolakeh; 16-year-old Fatumata Sheriff from Busseh Quarter; and two additional girls, Kadiatu Bah, 16, and Princess Way, 18, both also from Busseh Quarter.
In their testimonies, the girls stated that Esther deceived them by promising better job opportunities in Grand Gedeh County.
They reported that Esther had given them small pink tablets during their departure from Monrovia, which caused them to fall asleep.
Upon waking, they found themselves at the checkpoint in Grand Gedeh County. Esther, however, contended that her intention was to protect the girls from negative influences in their community.
Esther Bawo faces multiple charges, including child custody interference and trafficking, and is currently held in pre-trial detention at the National Palace of Corrections in Zwedru, awaiting her court date.
Meanwhile, the five girls are receiving care at the Medica Liberia Safe Home in Zwedru.
