Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and four co-defendants have petitioned Liberia’s Supreme Court for a writ of prohibition, seeking to block Criminal Court “C” Judge Roosevelt Willie from presiding over their high-profile corruption trial. The move comes just hours before jury selection was set to resume in Monrovia, throwing the already contentious proceedings into further uncertainty.
Immunity Argument at the Forefront
Tweah’s defense team, led by Cllr. Arthur Johnson, has anchored its petition on claims that the defendants acted under the authority of former President George Weah and the National Security Council (NSC). They argue that their actions—specifically the disbursement of over L$1 billion and US$500,000 from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA)—were sanctioned by state security protocols, shielding them from prosecution under Article 61 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution.
“The defendants were merely executing directives from the highest levels of government,” Johnson argued. “To prosecute them is to hold former President Weah accountable, which is unconstitutional.” This immunity claim has been a cornerstone of the defense strategy since the indictment was issued in September 2024.
Judge Willie Under Fire
Judge Roosevelt Willie has already rejected previous motions from Tweah’s legal team, including an attempt to dismiss the indictment on immunity grounds. In his February 28 ruling, Willie clarified that presidential immunity under Article 61 does not extend to government officials acting on behalf of the president. He further emphasized that Liberia’s laws hold public officials accountable for actions deemed illegal or outside their official duties.
Despite this setback, Tweah’s lawyers are now appealing directly to the Supreme Court, hoping to circumvent Willie’s courtroom entirely. This bold legal maneuver pinpoints the stakes for both sides in a trial that has become a litmus test for Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts.
Jury Selection Chaos
The trial has already faced significant delays due to complications in jury selection. On March 3, all 28 prospective jurors were rejected by both the defense and prosecution, forcing Judge Willie to summon an additional 26 candidates. The process is expected to resume today, but the defense's Supreme Court petition could derail proceedings entirely if granted.
Adding to the chaos, one juror failed to appear without explanation, prompting Judge Willie to issue a writ of arrest and demand they show cause for their absence. The jury selection process has been marked by tension and procedural hurdles, reflecting the high stakes of this landmark corruption case.
A Test for Liberia’s Judiciary
The case against Tweah and his co-defendants—former Acting Justice Minister Nyenati Tuan, former FIA Director General Stanley S. Ford, former FIA Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper, and former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh—centers on allegations of economic sabotage, theft of property, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that funds transferred from the CBL were misappropriated under the guise of national security operations.
Legal analysts see this case as a critical test of Liberia’s judicial independence and its commitment to combating corruption. International observers have raised concerns about Liberia’s ability to hold high-ranking officials accountable amid persistent allegations of financial mismanagement within government institutions.
Political Undertones
The defense’s argument that Tweah acted under orders from former President Weah adds a political dimension to an already volatile case. Critics argue that invoking presidential authority is a calculated attempt to shield Tweah and his co-defendants from accountability while deflecting blame onto Weah’s administration.
Weah himself has remained silent on the matter, though his legacy as president continues to loom large over Liberia’s political landscape. Analysts suggest that this trial could have far-reaching implications for how future administrations navigate issues of transparency and accountability.
Supreme Court Decision Looms
The Supreme Court is now under pressure to decide whether it will intervene in what has become one of Liberia’s most high-profile corruption cases in recent years. A decision in favor of Tweah could set a precedent for shielding government officials from prosecution under claims of executive authority—a move that critics warn could undermine Liberia’s anti-corruption framework.
On the other hand, allowing Judge Willie to proceed would affirm the judiciary's role in holding public officials accountable but risks inflaming political tensions further as Weah loyalists rally behind Tweah and his co-defendants.
Outlook
As jury selection hangs in limbo and legal battles intensify, all eyes are now on Liberia's Supreme Court. The outcome will not only determine the fate of Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants but also serve as a defining moment for Liberia's judiciary and its broader fight against corruption.
For President Joseph Boakai's administration, which campaigned on promises of reform and accountability, this trial represents both an opportunity and a challenge: an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice but also a potential flashpoint for political backlash if mishandled.
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Reference
https://knewsonline.com/corruption-trial-of-samuel-d-tweah-faces-delays-as-28-jurors-are-rejectedTweah’s Legal Team Races to Supreme Court in Last-Minute Bid to Halt Corruption
https://smartnewsliberia.com/judge-rejects-immunity-argument-in-corruption-case-involving-tweah/Tweah’s Legal Team Races to Supreme Court in Last-Minute Bid to Halt CorruptionTweah’s Legal Team Races to Supreme Court in Last-Minute Bid to Halt Corruption
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