By G. Watson Richards
Testimony from a key prosecution witness in the ongoing corruption trial at Criminal Court ‘C’ has further strengthened links between former senior officials of Government and the controversial handling of US$6.2 million allegedly intended for national security operations.
Under cross-examination, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investigator Baba Mohammed Boika told the court that former National Security Advisor Jefferson S. Karmoh played a pivotal role in initiating the chain of events that led to the disputed use of the funds.
Boika testified that Karmoh exceeded his authority by involving the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) in joint security activities without the approval of the National Security Council or the Minister of Justice, who chairs the body.
A letter dated July 5, 2022, was presented as evidence of the FIA’s involvement, though it reportedly lacked formal justification.
The court also heard that former Acting Minister of Justice Nyanti Tuan later communicated with the FIA on September 5, 2023, indicating that funds had been secured for national security purposes. However, the source of the funds was not disclosed. Investigators say Tuan acknowledged acting on Karmoh’s instructions following multiple discussions.
At the center of the case is the movement of US$6.2 million, which investigators traced to the FIA before it was withdrawn in cash under unclear circumstances. Boika testified that former FIA Comptroller Moses Cooper provided conflicting accounts regarding the handling of the funds. He initially claimed the cash was handed over to unidentified individuals at a bank but later stated it was left at the Central Bank of Liberia with a third party who did not sign for it.
“We were able to track the money up to the point it was withdrawn,” Boika told the court. “After that, there has been no clear account of how it was used.”
He added that no credible evidence has been presented to show that any portion of the funds reached legitimate joint security institutions, despite claims that it was allocated for national security purposes.
During questioning by defense lawyers, Boika acknowledged that there is no direct documentation linking Karmoh to the physical handling of the cash. However, he maintained that Karmoh’s role in initiating and directing the process points to possible complicity.
Boika emphasized that public officials entrusted with state resources are legally required to account for their use. He noted that those involved are best positioned to explain how the funds were distributed but have so far failed to provide satisfactory answers.
Further testimony highlighted procedural violations, including the absence of a formal request from the National Security Council to the Minister of Finance—a mandatory requirement for any fund transfer. Investigators also identified three transfer documents indicating ministerial approval that were not properly authorized.
With no confirmed recipient and no documented trail beyond the withdrawal, the case continues to raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability within Liberia’s security sector.
Proceedings are expected to resume on Monday, April 13, 2026, with continued cross-examination.
