By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Former Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Samuel D. Tweah Jr., surrendered to Criminal Court ‘C’ on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, following his return to Liberia after several months.
According to our court reporter, former Minister Tweah was accompanied to the court at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill in Monrovia by his brother, Cllr. Norris Tweah, and his legal Counsel, Cllr. Arthur Johnson.
Upon his appearance in the Court room, Tweah pleaded not guilty to all charges levied against him, and the court granted him an US$8 million bail, with his trial scheduled to commence on November 12, 2024.
Tweah’s charges originated from an investigation by State-owned Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), which revealed a scheme involving over LD$1 billion and US$500,000 allegedly diverted from the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA).
These funds were said to be intended for national security operations.
The funds were reportedly withdrew between September 8 and 21, 2023, under suspicious circumstances.
Tweah, along with former National Security Advisor, Jefferson Karmoh; and ex-Solicitor-General of Liberia, Cllr. Nyanti Tuan; was charged by the State with Economic Sabotage, Fraud, and Criminal Conspiracy.
According to LACC’s findings at the time, Tweah authorized these transactions without proper approval from Government’s National Joint Security or the National Security Council, raising concerns about the legality of the transfers.
Once the funds were transferred, they were quickly withdrew from the account allegedly by Moses P. Cooper, the then-Acting Financial Controller of the FIA.
Court documents revealed that nearly all of the funds were taken away within a month, leaving only L$7,500 in the account.
The investigation further uncovered that Cllr. Tuan, who was acting as Minister of Justice, was aware of the transfers but failed to provide records, explaining their purpose.
Previously, the accused petitioned the Supreme Court of Liberia for a Writ of Prohibition to halt the LACC and the Ministry of Justice from proceeding with the case.
However, on September 4, 2024, Supreme Court Associate Justice, Yusif Kaba, denied the petition.
This setback led to further legal battles, with the defense counsel insisting that the funds were used for national security purposes during the 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections.
Despite these defenses, the allegations against Tweah and his co-defendants persist. Cllr. Arthur Johnson, their lawyer, argued that the funds were critical to safeguarding the country from security threats.
In response to the accusations, Tweah took to social media, arguing that the charges are based on “total political witch hunt.”
The ex-Finance Minister claimed to have been a target of political attacks for years, pointing to various controversies, including the “US$25 million mop-up exercise” and other corruption allegations that have plagued his tenure.
He accused the ruling Unity Party of launching a campaign to “weaponizing the Court.
Tweah maintained his innocence, declaring that he is working with his lawyers and others. I stand ready to defeat this witch-hunt and vindicate my reputation through the justice system,” he said earlier.
He also vowed that his adversaries would eventually face public shame as he cleared his name.
Meanwhile, Counselor Tuan, Karmoh, and Cooper remained in prison after failing to meet their criminal appearance bond requirements.
Judge Ben Barcon denied their request for a personal recognizance bond, underscoring the gravity of the economic sabotage charges.
While Tweah returned to face the court, other defendants, such as Ford, remain unaccounted for.
However, the November 12 trial is expected to draw significant public attention, as it not only involves accusations of corruption but also potential political ramifications, with Tweah promising to reveal more about the alleged malpractices of the Unity Party-led administration.
