MONROVIA – Five women have been remanded at the Monrovia Central Prison following their arrest for allegedly trafficking 14 children. The suspects, identified as Halimatu Daramy, Fanta Doe, Hawah Kamara, Henrietta Beaye, and Grace H. Sesay, were apprehended by the Liberia Immigration Service at the Red Light market as they attempted to leave the country.
Authorities reported that the women were traveling with children ranging in age from 11 months to 8 years. During police interrogation, the suspects admitted they were en route to Burkina Faso to participate in an International Organization for Migration (IOM) resettlement program, following an unsuccessful attempt in Mali earlier this year.
According to the women, the children were family members brought along to help settle debts incurred after they returned to Liberia without external support. However, police say Halimatu Daramy played a leading role in convincing the others to embark on the dangerous journey.
Investigators also revealed that the women had previously received financial aid totaling 50,000 Liberian dollars from the Ministry of Gender and a church-based organization to support their reintegration, but chose to disregard the assistance. The case now heads to court as the suspects await trial.
