Monrovia, Liberia–Chief Justice Sie-Nyene Yuoh has appointed His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie Resident Judge First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes “A” to preside over the case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and others.
Judge Willie’s appointment follows the recusal of His Honor A. Blamo Dixon, Resident Judge, First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “C”, from the below captioned case, upon a Mandate from the Justice presiding in Chambers, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay.
The case involved the Republic of Liberia by and the Ministry of Justice & the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Versus Samuel D. Tweah, Former Minister, (MFDP), Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, Former Acting Minister of Justice, et al.
Former Minister Tweh, Former Justice Minister Tuah, and others are being charged with Economic Sabotage, Misuse of Public Money or Record, Theft and/or Illegal Disbursement and Expenditure of Public Money, Section, and Criminal CoConspiracy.
Chief Justice Yuoh communication to Judge Willie instructs him to simultaneously preside over his current assignment, at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A”, and Criminal Assizes “C”, for the sole purpose of hearing and making determination on the above case.
“Accordingly, I herewith appoint you to simultaneously preside over your current assignment, at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A”, and Criminal Assizes “C”, the latter, for the sole purpose of hearing and making determination on the above captioned case,” Chief Justice Yuoh communication noted.
It can be recalled, on January 25, 2025, Supreme Court Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay ordered the recusal of Criminal Assizes “C” Resident Judge A. Blamo Dixon from presiding over this high-profile criminal case involving ex-officials of the George Weah administration.
Justice Gbeisay’s ruling emphasized the need for impartiality and transparency in the judicial process, underscoring that every party litigant, including the state , is entitled to a fair trial before an unbiased judge.
The controversy surrounding Judge Dixon’s impartiality arose from a series of actions that prosecuting attorneys argued demonstrated bias.
In December 2024, prosecution filed a motion highlighting concerns over Judge Dixon’s conducts, including his remarks in open court suggesting that the determination of the trial could jeopardize prosecution case.
Meanwhile, the trial of this highly anticipated high-profile is expected to resume, with Judge Willie presiding in the coming weeks.
