By G. Watson Richards
Jefferson S. Karmoh, former National Security Advisor to ex-President George Manneh Weah, has firmly denied any prior knowledge or involvement in the handling of an alleged US$6.2 million intended for national joint security operations, as he testified in a high-profile corruption trial.
Appearing as the defense’s third witness, Karmoh told the court that he only became aware of the funds after receiving a copied letter from Cllr. Nyanti Tuan, contradicting claims that he was part of any decision-making process.
“The first time I heard about the money in question was when I received the copied letter… informing [me] that the money was being channeled through the FIA,” Karmoh said in court.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investigative report alleged that Karmoh conspired with others to route funds through Liberia’s Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA).
However, Karmoh rejected the assertions that he was consulted prior to the decision.
“To my recollection… I never laid eyes on Cllr. Tuan [in 2023],” he testified, directly disputing claims of prior consultation.
He further criticized investigators from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, arguing that they failed to verify key elements of the allegation:
“An elementary question would have been: when did this consultation take place… was it by cellphone, text messages or in person? The investigator has not provided that answer.”
Karmoh also questioned the absence of documentary proof supporting the prosecution’s narrative that he instructed former Financial Intelligence Agency Director General Stanley Forh and former Acting Minister of Justice Cllr. Nyanti Tuan to channel funds through the FIA.
“Where is the evidence of that request?” he asked, referring to claims that he directed such actions.
He described the case against him as built on assumptions rather than verifiable facts, calling parts of the investigative findings a “manufactured narrative.”
While under cross-examination,
Karmoh acknowledged receiving a letter dated September 5 from Cllr. Tuan, which was copied to his office. However, he emphasized that receipt of correspondence does not equate to participation in decision-making.
“I acknowledged receipt of the copied letter… [but] there was no admission process, and no consultation,” he maintained.
On the issue of election-related security funding, Karmoh indicated that such decisions were made collectively:
“There was a full council sitting [that] endorsed the decision… those monies were channeled through the Ministry of Justice.”
Dispute Over FIA Letter
A separate element of the case centers on a letter Karmoh issued assigning the FIA a communication code (“800”), which prosecutors interpret as integrating the agency into the national joint security structure.
Karmoh rejected that interpretation:
“That letter was not a financial instrument. It was not authorization to go and get money.”
He explained that the code was part of standard security communication procedures under his authority as National Security Adviser.
The case has drawn attention to the structure and oversight of Liberia’s security coordination systems, particularly the distinction between formal statutory bodies and informal operational frameworks.
Karmoh emphasized that the “national joint security” is not legally established.
“There is no law… that outlines its membership… it is informal but organized.”
Trial Continues
Proceedings remain ongoing, with jurors requesting that Karmoh’s full statement to the LACC be read into the record, signaling continued scrutiny of both the investigation and the defense’s claims.
The outcome of the case could have significant implications for accountability and governance within Liberia’s national security sector.
