Government lawyers first primary witness in the ongoing economic sabotage trial at Criminal Court ‘C’ has testified that more than L$1.05 billion and US$500,000 linked to Joint Security operations during the 2023 elections may have been disbursed under unclear circumstances, raising questions about accountability and the use of public funds.
Baba Mohammed Boika, Program Manager at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), told the court that investigators uncovered significant discrepancies involving government funds allegedly allocated for Joint Security operations during the election period.
Testifying for the prosecution, Boika said the investigation was triggered by media reports concerning a US$500,000 transaction involving the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA).
In response, the LACC summoned former FIA Director Stanley Forh for clarification.
According to Boika, Forh initially confirmed that the publicly reported amount was inaccurate and indicated that the total sum involved was higher than US$500,000. He further stated that the funds were designated for Joint Security operations rather than FIA use, but declined to disclose how the money was spent or who received it, citing national security concerns.
Boika also referenced a September 5, 2023 letter from then Acting Justice Minister Cllr. Nyanti Twan, which directed the FIA to receive and process funds on behalf of Joint Security. He added that the Ministry of Finance later transferred the funds into the FIA’s operational account, after which they were withdrawn and allegedly handed over to security personnel, though no recipients were identified.
The witness further told the court that former FIA Comptroller Sam D. Cooper admitted to withdrawing funds through cheques issued in his name under instructions from former Director Forh. Cooper reportedly claimed he delivered the cash to unidentified security personnel at a bank but did not provide documentary evidence to support the claim.
The investigation also examined the role of the Ministry of Finance. Boika said former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweh authorized a series of transfers between September 8 and September 21, 2023, moving funds from government accounts, including the Health and Social Sector Account, into FIA control. He noted that the former minister has not responded to LACC inquiries.
He further stated that former Comptroller General Janga A. Kowo and Deputy Minister Samora P.Z. Wolokollie told investigators they acted on ministerial instructions and followed standard procedures without questioning the purpose of the transactions.
Officials of the Central Bank of Liberia, including former Governor Aloysius J. Tarlue and Deputy Governor Numalay Pearson, testified that the bank’s role was limited to processing authorized transactions based on verified signatures and available balances. They emphasized that the Central Bank does not oversee or track how withdrawn funds are ultimately used.
