By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA — Testimony in the ongoing US$6.2 million economic sabotage case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah intensified on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as a prosecution witness alleged massive unauthorized transfers of government funds.
Appearing before Criminal Court ‘C’ at the Temple of Justice, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) lead investigator Baba Mohammed Boika told the court that over US$500,000 and more than L$1 billion were moved from government accounts without proper authorization and remain unaccounted for.
The funds were reportedly intended to support “joint security operations” during the 2023 elections. But Boika emphasized that the transfers were never approved by the National Legislature, nor processed through established national security channels.
“The money was never appropriated or deposited into any official National Security Council account,” Boika testified. “Investigators found no evidence that the funds reached recognized security institutions.”
Boika detailed a series of transactions carried out in September 2023, during which money from operational and health sector accounts was moved into the Financial Intelligence Agency, an agency not traditionally part of Liberia’s joint security framework. The amounts included over L$27 million, more than L$400 million, over L$100 million, and US$500,000.
The witness explained that the funds were later withdrawn by FIA officials, who claimed the money was distributed to security personnel. However, no receipts, documentation, or identifiable recipients have been provided.
“There is no evidence showing who received the money,” Boika stressed, noting that no security agency has confirmed receipt. He described the transfers as unsupported, irregular, and “practically theft” under Liberian law.
The case also involves several former senior officials, including Nyanti Tuan, Stanley S. Ford, D. Moses P. Cooper, and Jefferson Karmoh. Charges include economic sabotage, theft of public funds, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy.
The defense argued that national security expenditures are often classified and subject to special audits, questioning why no formal review preceded the LACC investigation. Prosecutors countered that anti-corruption laws permit inquiries based on probable cause, including credible information from media reports or preliminary findings.
Tuesday’s proceedings were marked by frequent objections from both sides. Presiding Judge Osuman F. Feikai reminded the courtroom that the jury bears the responsibility of assessing the weight and credibility of the evidence.
Central to the trial is whether the undocumented transactions constitute money laundering. Prosecutors contend that the unexplained movement and withdrawal of funds meet the legal threshold, while the defense maintains there is no evidence of concealment or personal gain.
The trial, one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption cases, adjourned late Tuesday and is scheduled to resume on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Observers say the proceedings underscore ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
