By Our Reporter | Smart News Liberia
SUPREME COURT, MONROVIA – A tense moment unfolded at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia on Friday, May 8, 2026, when a member of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) was forcibly removed from Criminal Court “C” and subsequently detained during the high-profile US$6.2 million economic sabotage trial involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and co-defendants.
The individual, identified as CDC partisan Garyeazohn Aba Davies, was reportedly escorted out of the courtroom by court sheriffs and state security officers after allegedly refusing instructions to vacate the premises during the final stage of proceedings.
According to eyewitness accounts from journalists covering the case, the incident occurred as Criminal Court “C” moved into final arguments and preparations for judgment in one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption-related trials.
Security personnel intervened after court officials claimed Davies failed to comply with repeated instructions to leave the courtroom, leading to his physical removal and transfer outside the premises.
Following the incident, Davies maintained that he had done nothing wrong and insisted that he was only present as a public observer of the proceedings.
“I didn’t do anything. I only came to witness the case,” he told journalists shortly after being removed from the courtroom.
Reports indicate that Davies is now being detained at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police for a period of 30 days, though police have yet to publicly detail formal charges linked to his detention at the time of reporting.
The incident added an unexpected layer of tension to an already sensitive courtroom environment, as the trial involving former senior government officials reached its most decisive phase.
The US$6.2 million criminal case, widely referred to in legal and political circles as one of the most consequential economic sabotage trials in recent Liberian history, includes former officials such as ex-Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, former Financial Intelligence Agency Director Stanley Ford, former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, and former Acting Justice Minister Nyenti Tuan.
The defendants are accused in connection with disputed financial transactions linked to national security spending during the 2023 electoral period, a matter that has generated intense public debate and sharply divided legal interpretations throughout the proceedings.
After months of testimony, conflicting narratives, and extensive cross-examination of key state and security officials, the case has now reached its final stage, with Criminal Court “C” expected to render judgment following closing arguments.
The courtroom has remained under heightened security as public interest in the case continues to grow, reflecting its political sensitivity and the prominence of the individuals involved.
The proceedings have been marked by sharply contrasting testimonies from prosecution witnesses, security officials, and defense representatives, particularly on the question of authorization, fund usage, and accountability within Liberia’s national security framework.
While prosecutors have maintained that the funds were improperly handled and lacked proper authorization, defense arguments have consistently emphasized national security urgency and procedural complexity during the election period.
The removal and detention of the CDC partisan, however, has introduced additional controversy into an already high-pressure judicial moment, raising questions about courtroom conduct, public access, and security enforcement during high-profile trials.
The Court has not yet issued an official statement detailing the specific reasons for Davies’ detention beyond the alleged refusal to comply with courtroom instructions.
As the country awaits the court’s final ruling, the trial continues to draw widespread attention, not only for its financial implications but also for its broader political and institutional significance in Liberia’s ongoing fight against corruption and governance accountability.
The verdict expected today is likely to have major implications for all parties involved, while also setting a precedent for how similar economic and security-related cases are handled within Liberia’s justice system moving forward.
