In a legal development at the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes ‘C’ for Montserrado County, Judge A. Blamo Dixon has issued a writ of ne exeat republica against Liberia’s former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah along with other government officials.
The ne exeat republica was issued on October 1, 2024, by Judge Dixon. Ne exeat republica is a Latin term that means “let him not go out of the republic.” It refers to a writ that restrains a person from leaving the jurisdiction of the court or the state. The order aims to prevent several high-profile defendants from leaving the country amidst ongoing corruption charges.
The defendants include prominent figures such as Samuel D. Tweah, former Minister of Finance; Nyanti Tuan, acting Minister of Justice; Stanley Ford, former Director General of Financial Intelligence; D. Moses Cooper, former Financial Intelligence Comptroller; and Jetterson Karmoh, former National Security Advisor. The defendants are implicated in serious allegations concerning the misappropriation of public funds and financial misconduct.
The court’s action came after the Anti-Corruption Commission filed a petition expressing concerns that the defendants might flee Liberia to evade prosecution. In response, Judge Dixon ordered the Sheriff for Montserrado County to arrest the defendants should they attempt to leave without court permission.
The writ mandates the seizure of their passports and requires their immediate appearance before the court. “The court is determined to uphold the rule of law and ensure that these defendants remain within the jurisdiction while the case is pending,” Judge Dixon stated.
This development reflects Liberia’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold accountability among public officials. The defendants will remain under scrutiny, with any attempt to exit the country subject to immediate arrest.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the judiciary addresses these serious allegations against influential individuals in the Liberian government. The case is expected to resume in November 2024.
