MONROVIA, Liberia — The prosecution’s lead witness in the ongoing high-profile corruption trial has testified that investigators found no evidence linking former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah to the authorization of controversial security-related funds.
Taking the stand, Mr. Baba Mohammed Boika told the court that investigators uncovered “absolutely no evidence” showing that Tweah approved or was instructed to authorize disbursements totaling US$500,000 and more than L$1.55 billion.
According to Boika, there is no record indicating that the former minister received directives from either the National Security Council or Joint Security leadership to release the funds.
Funds Transferred Without Clear Authorization
Despite the absence of formal approval, Boika testified that the funds were “suspiciously transferred” into accounts belonging to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), from which they were later withdrawn.
He identified former FIA Director General Stanley Ford and former Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper as key figures who withdrew the funds, adding that both officials have failed to account for the money.
Single Letter Raises Questions
The court also heard that investigators discovered only one piece of documentation—a letter from former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan addressed to Ford.
According to Boika, the letter indicated that Joint Security had secured funding and authorized the FIA to release it for operational purposes upon notification.
However, he noted that Tuan told investigators his decision was based on consultations with former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh, though no written evidence was provided to substantiate those claims.
No Proof of Emergency or Approval
Boika further testified that investigators found no evidence of any emergency that would justify the release of such substantial funds.
Additionally, neither Tuan nor Karmoh could confirm that the National Security Council had formally approved the disbursement—an essential requirement under established procedures.
“Standard procedure requires that such approvals be documented and submitted to the Ministry of Finance before any funds are released,” Boika explained, noting that Karmoh acknowledged this requirement during the investigation.
“No such documentation exists in this case,” he added.
Trial Continues
The testimony is expected to play a critical role in the court’s assessment of responsibility in the case, which centers on the alleged misapplication of public funds under the guise of national security operations.
Proceedings are ongoing as the court continues to review evidence and hear additional testimony in what remains one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption trials.
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