MONROVIA – Former Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah on Monday, April 20, 2026, appeared in court to testify in the ongoing economic sabotage case.
The trial centers on allegations that Tweah, along with several former government officials, facilitated the unauthorized movement and management of millions of United States dollars in public funds. Prosecutors have charged the defendants with economic sabotage, money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and theft of property, offenses that carry significant legal consequences under Liberian law.
Tweah’s decision to testify marks a crucial moment for the defense, which has now begun presenting its case after weeks of testimony from state witnesses. Legal observers view his appearance as a calculated move aimed at directly countering the prosecution’s claims while offering explanations for key financial decisions made during his time in office.
Defense attorneys have consistently argued that the transactions under scrutiny occurred during exceptional national circumstances and were carried out within the framework of government authority. According to them, even if there were procedural shortcomings, such actions should not be interpreted as criminal conduct.
Meanwhile, the prosecution’s case has faced increasing examination, particularly following the testimony of Tanneh Brunson, Deputy Finance Minister for Budget. During cross-examination, Brunson admitted that while some financial procedures may not have been strictly followed, the actions in question were not necessarily illegal.
Her statements have raised questions about the strength of the prosecution’s central argument that the transactions were part of a deliberate and unlawful scheme. The defense has since seized on these inconsistencies, highlighting gaps between witness testimonies and investigative conclusions.
