By: Frank P Martin
MONROVIA: In a dramatic twist, the Supreme Court of Liberia has halted the trial of former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and others who are accused of corruption and financial improprieties pending a conference with High Court. And, the proceedings at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “C.”
At the heart of this legal firestorm are Samuel Tweah, former Minister of Finance and Development Planning; Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, the former Acting Minister of Justice; Stanley S. Ford, the former Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency; D. Moses P. Cooper, the former Comptroller of the Financial Intelligence Agency; and Jefferson Karmon, the former National Security Advisor.
These individuals are alleged to have misappropriated public funds during their time in office, a claim they vehemently denied.
The Supreme Court’s stance follows a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari filed in connection with the case.
His Honor A. Blamo Dixon, Resident Circuit Judge of the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes “C,” finds himself entangled in the proceedings, listed as a respondent in the petition.
The Supreme Court’s decision to halt proceedings and call for a conference has raised eyebrows in many quarters of the country.
The directive, signed by Cllr. Sam Mumah, Clerk of the Supreme Court, orders all parties to appear before Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., in Chambers on December 10, 2024, for a conference.
Until then, all actions and proceedings in the matter have been stayed.
The accused former officials are accused of various crimes including Economic Sabotage, Theft of Property, Money Laundering, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Conspiracy.
