The Attempted Sale of an 11-Year-Old in Maryland County, Liberia: A Deep Dive into the Incident and Its Implications
In the quiet town of Pleebo, Maryland County, Liberia, a disturbing incident has unfolded, shaking the community and raising serious questions about societal well-being. Joshua Odarbeh, a 38-year-old man, has been arrested and detained by the Liberian National Police for allegedly attempting to sell his 11-year-old son, Prosperous Odarbeh. This incident, which came to light over a weekend in March 2025, has sent ripples of shock and concern throughout the community and beyond.
The alleged buyer in this case, Abraham Weah, known locally as DJ Cassava Leaf, is a businessman and musician in Pleebo. According to reports, Odarbeh initiated contact with Weah via text messages, expressing his intention to sell his child. Instead of dismissing the disturbing proposition, Weah engaged with Odarbeh strategically, expressing that such a sensitive matter could not be discussed over the phone and suggesting a face-to-face meeting. He even offered to cover Odarbeh’s travel expenses from Grand Kru County to Maryland County, ostensibly to facilitate the discussion. Upon Odarbeh’s arrival at Weah’s business center, Weah promptly alerted the authorities, leading to Odarbeh’s immediate arrest.
Following his apprehension, Odarbeh attributed his actions to a “Satanic attack.” He admitted to knowing Weah since 2020 and having previously purchased phones from his shop in 2023. However, he vehemently denied any prior involvement in human trafficking, claiming that he only contacted Weah to gauge his interest. While this explanation might appear far-fetched, it opens up avenues for further investigation into the suspect’s psychological state and the potential pressures that might have led him to such a drastic measure.
The Liberian National Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the matter. Odarbeh remains in police custody in Pleebo, and Weah, alias DJ Cassava Leaf, has been summoned for questioning to ascertain the nature and extent of his prior interactions with Odarbeh. The police have also invited the child’s mother to provide further information, as they piece together the circumstances surrounding this disturbing event. The investigation is crucial not only to determine the immediate culpability of the individuals involved but also to uncover any underlying societal issues that might have contributed to this incident.
This incident raises profound concerns about the societal fabric of Maryland County and Liberia as a whole. While Odarbeh’s claim of a “Satanic attack” may not hold legal merit, it hints at potential underlying issues that warrant deeper exploration. These could include economic desperation, mental health struggles, the influence of harmful cultural beliefs, or even the possibility of involvement in a larger criminal network operating within the region. Understanding the root causes of such an act is essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The attempted sale of a child underscores the vulnerabilities within the Liberian society and the urgent need for interventions. It calls for a multi-pronged approach that includes strengthening social safety nets, improving access to mental health services, promoting education and awareness, and rigorously enforcing laws against human trafficking and child exploitation. This incident serves as a stark reminder that addressing societal issues requires a holistic approach that considers not only the legal aspects but also the underlying socio-economic and psychological factors that contribute to such desperate acts. The case of Joshua Odarbeh and his son is not just a singular incident; it is a microcosm of the larger challenges facing Liberia and a call to action for the nation to protect its most vulnerable members.
