By G. Watson Richards
The high-profile 6.2 million economic sabotage trial involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several co-defendants has entered its final stage, with both prosecution and defense concluding the presentation of evidence.
The presiding judge of Criminal Court ‘C’ Osuman F. Feika is now set to hear closing arguments before the jury begins deliberations.
A key moment in the latest proceedings came from a rebuttal witness for the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Baba Mohammed Boika, who dismissed defense claims that the case was based on speculation.
Boika told the court that the allegations are backed by investigative findings, pointing to what he described as large public fund transfers allegedly made without evidence of their use for national security purposes.
He challenged the defense narrative, asking, “Which joint security agency received the money?” and noted that no agency mentioned during the investigation confirmed receiving the funds, nor were supporting documents provided.
He testified that government accounts transferred funds to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) in several installments, including over L$1 billion and US$500,000.
The transactions were said to have occurred on September 8, 19, and 21, 2023, without legislative approval.
“These are not assumptions,” Boika told the court. “They are facts established through investigation.”
On the defense side, former Acting Minister of Justice Cllr. Nyanti Tuan said the payments were made within the framework of the National Security Council (NSC) and followed established internal security procedures.
He also questioned earlier testimony from co-defendant Jefferson S. Karmoh, who said he only became aware of the transfers after receiving official correspondence.
Tuan suggested that the lack of objection indicated awareness of the process.
The defense argued that national security expenditures are subject to strict confidentiality rules, where operational requirements may override standard documentation practices.
Tuan added that audits of such funds require presidential authorization and are conducted under restricted conditions.
When asked to identify beneficiary agencies, the defense declined, citing legal restrictions tied to classified security matters.
The prosecution, however, maintains there is no verifiable proof that the funds were used for security operations.
With both sides having rested, the case now moves to closing arguments, with a verdict expected after jury deliberations in a trial widely seen as significant for public accountability in Liberia’s financial governance.
