Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has been cleared of all allegations in a high-profile corruption and economic sabotage case that attracted significant national attention in Liberia.
The ruling, handed down Friday at Temple of Justice by Criminal Court “C,” concluded months of courtroom battles over claims that Tweah and several former government officials unlawfully managed more than US$6.2 million and L$1 billion reportedly tied to national security operations.
Following the verdict, Tweah and his co-defendants were released after the court determined that prosecutors failed to establish sufficient evidence to secure a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case also involved former officials of ex-President George Weah’s administration, including Nyenati Tuan, Moses Cooper, Stanley Ford, and Jefferson Karmoh, who faced multiple charges related to economic sabotage and the alleged misuse of public funds.
State prosecutors accused the defendants of authorizing questionable transfers from the Central Bank of Liberia into accounts associated with the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), arguing that the transactions violated public financial management and anti-corruption regulations. Prosecutors further claimed the disbursements lacked the required documentation and legislative approval.
Defense lawyers, however, argued throughout the proceedings that the funds were intended for national security purposes during the final years of the CDC-led government and therefore fell under executive security operations.
The trial drew widespread public interest after Liberia’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that constitutional immunity granted to a sitting president does not automatically apply to appointed government officials. That decision allowed Criminal Court “C” to proceed with the matter after prolonged legal disputes over immunity protections.
During the trial, prosecutors and defense attorneys engaged in intense legal arguments, with the state insisting it had evidence of illegal withdrawals while the defense maintained that the prosecution was politically driven and lacked proof of criminal intent.The acquittal is expected to generate varied reactions across Liberia’s political and legal circles.
Supporters of Tweah and the former CDC administration have welcomed the ruling as a triumph for due process and justice, while anti-corruption campaigners may view the outcome as a setback in efforts to strengthen accountability under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.
The judgment also represents an important development in Liberia’s legal interpretation of accountability, executive authority, and the management of national security-related expenditures.
Outside the court, supporters celebrated the verdict as Tweah exited the Temple of Justice surrounded by sympathizers, underscoring the political significance the case carried beyond the courtroom.
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