“You Found Her, But You Don’t Own Her” – LNP Clears Air On Abandon Baby Saga

By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP), through its Women and Children Protection Section, has issued a strong reminder to the public that finding a child does not automatically make one their guardian, following the discovery and rescue of an abandoned newborn near the Central Broadway Cemetery in Monrovia.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Assistant Commissioner of Police and head of the Women and Children Protection Section emphasized the legal process required to ensure the best interest of vulnerable children.
“Being the person who found a child doesn’t automatically make you their guardian,” she stated. “There is a legal and structured process in place to ensure the child’s best interests.”
She further underscored that all children—whether abandoned, missing, or found in distress—are ultimately the responsibility of the state.
“If you find a child or suspect abuse, please report immediately to the nearest police station,” she urged. “Long-term custody or adoption is not handled by the police. That responsibility lies with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, which assesses whether an individual is fit to care for a child.”
The clarification comes as the LNP investigates the case of a baby girl, believed to be just a few days old, who was found near the cemetery on the evening of June 16, 2025.
The infant was discovered by a concerned citizen, Mr. Kenneth Johnson, after he was alerted by cries and a bystander shouting that a baby was under a tree.
“When he rushed to the scene, he found the baby wrapped in a plastic bag,” the Assistant Commissioner recounted. “He immediately alerted his mother, who helped secure the child and brought her to the attention of local authorities.”
Due to the time of night and the absence of a female officer, the child was temporarily held at the Broadway Police Station before being transferred the next day to the Women and Children Protection Section. Officers, recognizing the baby’s fragile state, prioritized her health and took her to SOS Hospital, where she received emergency medical care.
In accordance with standard procedures, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was notified and later assumed responsibility for the child’s welfare.
“As soon as her condition stabilized, the Ministry was contacted to take over custody,” the Assistant Commissioner said. “We are now working with them to ensure this child receives the protection and care she needs.”
The police used the press briefing to reiterate their mandate and to address misinformation circulating on social media about the incident.
“We’ve seen a lot of speculation online, much of it inaccurate,” the Assistant Commissioner cautioned. “We urge the public and the media to rely on official sources for verified information, especially in sensitive cases involving children.”
The rescued baby, now in stable condition, has been placed under the care of the Ministry’s Child Protection Department. Authorities are actively working to trace her biological parents or responsible relatives.
If no suitable family members are identified, the Ministry will proceed with foster care or alternative placement, in line with national child protection laws.
The LNP commended the swift actions of the community members involved in the rescue and called on all citizens to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding children.
“The protection of our nation’s children is a shared responsibility,” the Assistant Commissioner concluded. “Let us continue to act with vigilance, compassion, and respect for the law.”