Father Arrested for Attempting to Sell 11-Year-Old Son

A 38-year-old Liberian man, Joshua Odarbeh, has been arrested and detained at the Pleebo Police Depot for attempting to sell his 11-year-old son, Prosperous Odarbeh, in a case that has shocked the nation.

The arrest, which took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, was the result of a sting operation led by businessman and musician Abraham Weah, popularly known as DJ Cassava Leaf.

According to reports, Odarbeh reached out to Weah via text message, offering his son for sale. Rather than ignoring the message, Weah decided to play along and lure Odarbeh into a trap.

Weah, who owns a business center in Maryland County, suggested they meet in person rather than discuss the deal over the phone.

He even offered to cover Odarbeh’s transportation costs from Grand Kru to Maryland County, a move that would later help authorities apprehend him.

As soon as Odarbeh arrived at Weah’s business center, the businessman contacted the Liberian National Police (LNP), leading to the suspect’s immediate arrest.

Following his arrest, Odarbeh claimed that his actions were the result of a "Satanic attack." He told investigators that he had known Weah since 2020 and had previously purchased mobile phones from his store since 2023.

However, he denied any involvement in human trafficking before this incident.

"I only decided to get in touch with him to see if he was interested," Odarbeh reportedly told police, in a shocking admission that has raised questions about his true motives.

The Liberian National Police have launched a full-scale investigation to determine whether Odarbeh was acting alone or if he is linked to a larger human trafficking network.

Additionally, police have invited DJ Cassava Leaf for questioning, as they seek to clarify his previous interactions with Odarbeh and any potential leads that could uncover a deeper criminal network.

The case has sparked outrage across Liberia, with many expressing concerns about the state of economic hardship and moral decay in the country. Citizens have taken to social media to demand a harsh penalty for Odarbeh, with some calling for life imprisonment.

"How can a father even think of selling his own child? This is pure evil!" one Facebook user wrote.

Others believe that Odarbeh’s claim of a “Satanic attack” is an excuse, pointing to the rising cases of child trafficking, ritualistic killings, and extreme poverty in Liberia.

Some experts believe that Odarbeh’s actions may have been fueled by economic desperation and mental health struggles, rather than direct involvement in a trafficking ring.

"We need to investigate whether this was a one-time act of desperation or a sign of a more dangerous trend," said human rights activist Emmanuel Dolo.

The case has also revived discussions about child protection laws in Liberia and whether the government is doing enough to combat child trafficking and abuse.

With Odarbeh still in police custody, authorities are working to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader trafficking scheme.

Meanwhile, young Prosperous Odarbeh is now in the care of social workers, as officials assess his safety and psychological well-being.

For now, Liberia watches closely, hoping that justice will be served and that this disturbing incident will serve as a wake-up call for greater action against child exploitation.