A Ganta armed robber was sentenced 30 years in prison this week. Judge Serena F. Garlawolu, Presiding Judge of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County, handed down the sentence. The court convicted defendant Lee Menyen on three counts: armed robbery, criminal attempt to commit murder, and aggravated assault. The trial exposed a string of violent attacks on motorcyclists in Ganta City.
How the Ganta Armed Robber Was Sentenced 30 Years
Court records show that Menyen targeted commercial motorcyclists in Ganta City. He used a cutlass to attack riders. Then he stole their motorbikes. Two victims, Forkie Gonyon and Blessing S. Dolo, suffered severe injuries in separate attacks. Prosecutors presented testimonies and physical evidence during trial. This evidence linked Menyen directly to both incidents. As a result, the picture that emerged was of a defendant who had been terrorizing residents and commercial riders in the area.
Nimba County residents call motorcyclists “pen-pen” riders. These riders form a critical part of the local transport economy. Attacks on them cause physical harm. They also threaten the livelihoods of riders who depend on their motorbikes for daily income. For this reason, the case drew wide attention across the county. LiberiaMedia.com continues to monitor crime and justice developments across Liberia’s counties.
How the Case Reached Court
The Office of the County Attorney of Nimba County filed a formal indictment against Menyen. This indictment brought him under the jurisdiction of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court. The court issued a writ of arrest on April 20, 2026. The Sheriff then executed the writ. According to the Sheriff’s returns, officers served the writ in accordance with the law. Consequently, Menyen appeared before the court for prosecution.
The indictment charged Menyen with armed robbery, criminal attempt to commit murder, and aggravated assault. Court documents trace the charges to an incident on January 15, 2026, in Ganta City. According to the indictment, Menyen used a cutlass to inflict wounds on private prosecutor Forkie Gonyon. This happened during an armed robbery involving a Bajaj motorbike.
From Guilty Plea to Full Trial
Menyen initially entered a guilty plea before the court. However, the court entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf instead. This step ensured the prosecution proved its case through full trial proceedings. It also reflects a standard safeguard in Liberia’s criminal justice system. Even after an admission of guilt, the law protects a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
County Attorney Cllr. John D. Miah led the prosecution. He presented two witnesses during trial. Their testimonies corroborated the charges against Menyen. Therefore, the court found sufficient evidence to return a guilty verdict on all three counts.
Ganta Armed Robber Sentenced 30 Years: The Breakdown
Judge Garlawolu cited Chapter 3, Section 3.3 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia when handing down the sentence. The court sentenced Menyen to 20 years for armed robbery under Section 15.34, paragraph 2 of the Penal Law. It added five years for criminal attempt to commit murder under Section 50.5, paragraph 2(b). It added another five years for aggravated assault under the same provision. Altogether, the sentences total 30 years’ imprisonment.
This case shows how Liberian courts can apply consecutive sentencing. Multiple offenses from a single criminal episode can therefore result in lengthy combined prison terms. Defendants convicted on multiple counts face this risk directly.
A Message on Accountability
Liberia continues to face public concern over armed robbery and violent crime. Commercial transport operators remain frequent targets. For this reason, officials often cite cases like this one as proof of judicial resolve. Even an initial guilty plea, as seen here, did not shorten the path to a full trial and a stiff penalty.
For residents of Ganta City and the wider Nimba County, the verdict closes an unsettling chapter. It also reminds victims of violent crime that legal protections exist under Liberian law. In addition, it highlights the role of the County Attorney’s office in pursuing prosecution once a formal indictment is filed. Stay with LiberiaMedia.com for continued coverage of court rulings and public safety news from across the country.
The 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County tried the case. Judge Serena F. Garlawolu delivered the final ruling.
Source: Judiciary of Liberia
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