MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged Pastor Jenkins Johnson and Musu G. Quaye for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and criminal conspiracy of a 14-year-old minor. The charges stem from a complaint filed by Michael S. Quaye, who accused his wife, Musu G. Quaye, of conspiring with Pastor Johnson to unlawfully remove their son from their home without his knowledge or consent.
According to police investigators, the alleged kidnapping began on March 2, 2024, and continued for several months. During that period, the minor was reportedly kept in an undisclosed location under the supervision of Pastor Johnson, allegedly with the full cooperation of Mrs. Quaye.
Following the investigation, the Monrovia City Court, presided over by His Honor Ben L. Barco, issued a Writ of Arrest on August 8, 2025. Judge Barco described the alleged actions as “unlawful, wicked, illegal, and intentional” and ordered the immediate remand of Pastor Johnson to the Monrovia Central Prison, while Musu G. Quaye remains under court supervision pending further proceedings.
In his written ruling, Judge Barco stated, “The evidence presented before this court, though preliminary, establishes probable cause to believe that the defendants, Pastor Jenkins Johnson and Musu G. Quaye, acted in concert to unlawfully remove and conceal a minor child against the will of his father. Such conduct constitutes a grave breach of the peace and a direct violation of Sections 14.50 and 10.4 of the New Penal Law of Liberia.”
Under Section 14.50 of the New Penal Law, kidnapping is defined as unlawfully removing another person from their residence, business, or vicinity, or unlawfully confining them in isolation, with purposes including ransom, terrorizing, or facilitating other felonies. The law prescribes that kidnapping is a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment or a minimum term of ten years.
Section 10.4 addresses criminal conspiracy, stating that anyone who agrees with another to commit a crime can face the same grade of punishment as the offense targeted by the conspiracy. As such, Pastor Johnson and Musu Quaye could each face life imprisonment or a minimum term of ten years if convicted of both offenses.
The case has taken a dramatic turn following revelations that Musu G. Quaye secretly gave birth while in hiding. The lawyer representing Michael Quaye, Attorney Jonah Kerkulah, informed Criminal Court “A” that the defendant delivered a baby girl at ELWA Hospital. In a bill of information filed this week, Kerkulah requested that the court assume custody of Mrs. Quaye upon her discharge.
“It is the belief of the informant that Defendant Musu G. Quaye has recently given birth to a female child at the ELWA Hospital,” the motion states. “This Court had previously directed that a pregnancy test be conducted at JFK Medical Center in August 2025, but the defendant failed to appear and has since absconded.”
The background of the case indicates that Pastor Jenkins Johnson of the More Changer Ministry Church allegedly impregnated and kidnapped a 14-year-old girl, the stepdaughter of Michael Quaye. Court records show that Madam Quaye reportedly took her daughter to Pastor Johnson for “spiritual cleansing,” during which the offenses allegedly occurred. Both defendants were indicted earlier this year, but attempts to complete a court-ordered medical examination were unsuccessful after Madam Quaye went into hiding.
In his motion, Attorney Kerkulah urged Criminal Court “A” to take judicial notice of the new development and to order ELWA Hospital to surrender Mrs. Quaye to the court’s jurisdiction upon release. “Considering the seriousness of the charges and the need to preserve evidence, the informant respectfully prays this honorable court to direct the hospital to surrender the defendant once released,” the motion reads.
The court has not yet ruled on the request, but judicial sources say the issue could come up for hearing in the coming days as part of the ongoing proceedings in this high-profile case.
Authorities say the investigation into the alleged crimes remains active, and additional evidence may be presented as the case proceeds to full trial. Legal observers note that this case underscores Liberia’s strict approach to child protection and the potential consequences for individuals, regardless of their societal or religious status, who engage in unlawful acts against minors.
Pastor Jenkins Johnson has not publicly commented on the charges, while Musu G. Quaye remains under strict court monitoring. If convicted of kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, both defendants could face life imprisonment or a minimum term of ten years under Liberian law.
