MONROVIA – The Justice in Chambers, His Honor Yussif Kaba, has ordered a temporary halt to a significant $6.2 million corruption case involving several high-ranking former Liberian officials, including ex-Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah. In an official communication dated August 26, 2024, Justice Kaba has summoned government lawyers and the defendants to a conference, pausing all legal proceedings until further notice.
The case has been a focal point of public interest, given the involvement of prominent figures such as Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, the former Acting Minister of Justice; Stanley S. Ford, the former Director of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA); D. Moses P. Cooper, the former Comptroller of the FIA; and Jefferson Karmoh, the former National Security Advisor. These individuals have been accused of conspiring to misuse their official positions for personal financial gain.
According to a writ issued by the Monrovia City Court, the defendants allegedly orchestrated a scheme to divert substantial government funds. The court documents detail how, beginning in July 2023, the group unlawfully integrated Stanley Ford into the National Security Council, a move that violated the National Security Act and facilitated further illegal activities. By September 2023, the accused reportedly transferred significant amounts of money from the Central Bank of Liberia to the FIA’s operational accounts under false pretenses. The transactions included L$1,055,152,540.00 and US$500,000.00, which were quickly withdrawn for personal use, representing a severe breach of public trust.
In light of these allegations, the Monrovia City Court had issued warrants for the arrest of all involved, mandating their appearance at the Temple of Justice to face charges. This move was seen as a firm stance by the government in its fight against corruption and an effort to enhance financial accountability and transparency within Liberia’s public sector.
However, the case has now reached a critical juncture following the petition for a writ of prohibition filed by the defendants. This legal maneuver seeks to challenge the ongoing proceedings, bringing the matter before the Supreme Court of Liberia. The petition led Justice Kaba to issue a directive halting all further actions pending the outcome of the scheduled conference on September 4, 2024.
This case is a significant test of Liberia’s judicial system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. The outcome will not only determine the fate of the accused but also serve as a barometer for the country’s efforts to combat corruption at the highest levels. As the nation watches closely, the proceedings will underscore the challenges and opportunities in Liberia’s ongoing quest for good governance and integrity in public service.
