MONROVIA — A key prosecution witness in the ongoing corruption trial involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah has testified that more than US$500,000 and L$1.05 billion were transferred from government accounts without proper authorization.
Taking the stand, Baba Mohammed Boika, Program Manager for Monitoring and Investigation at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), told the court that the transactions were executed under circumstances that bypassed established legal and institutional procedures.
Boika alleged that the disbursements were approved without clearance from either the Legislature or the National Security Council—two key requirements for such transactions, particularly those linked to national security spending.
Funds Routed Through FIA
According to the witness, the funds were transferred to accounts of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and subsequently withdrawn by senior officials, including former Director General Stanley Forh and former Comptroller Moses Cooper.
However, Boika emphasized that investigators have not received any documentation explaining how the funds were utilized.
“Government money was withdrawn under the pretext of official use, yet no evidence has been produced to justify the expenditure,” he testified during proceedings on March 31.
Alleged Chain of Authorization
Boika further testified that former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh played a role in initiating the process by incorporating the FIA into the Joint Security framework.
He also named former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan as having communicated authorization for the agency to receive and disburse the funds.
The court heard that three separate transfer instructions—reportedly bearing Tweah’s signature—were executed in September 2023, including a US$500,000 transfer dated September 21.
Boika added that the checks were prepared by Cooper and co-signed by Forh, with supporting documents submitted into evidence.
Cross-Examination Clarifies Legal Basis
Under cross-examination, Boika clarified that his assertion of illegality was not based solely on the funds being outside the national budget.
“The issue is not just budgeting,” he said. “The funds were neither approved by the Legislature nor cleared through the appropriate national security channels.”
He maintained that the transactions were unlawful and that the funds remain unaccounted for.
Trial Continues
The case, which involves allegations of conspiracy, theft, and money laundering against several former government officials, remains one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption trials.
Proceedings are expected to continue as prosecutors present additional evidence related to the disputed transactions.
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