MONROVIA— Proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. and four co-defendants continued Monday, marked by the conclusion of testimony from a key prosecution witness and a fresh move by state lawyers to introduce additional evidence.
Testifying under cross-examination, prosecution witness Baba Mohammed Boika told the court that Tweah, during his tenure as Minister of Finance and Development Planning, was legally obligated to ensure the proper management and accountability of public funds. Boika alleged that Tweah authorized the transfer of government funds through the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), reportedly for national security purposes.
According to Boika, those transactions form the basis of charges including theft and the illegal disbursement and expenditure of public funds. He emphasized before the court and jury that government resources must be managed in strict compliance with established financial laws and cannot be treated as discretionary or personal assets.
Defense lawyers, however, challenged the allegations, arguing that the actions in question stem from Tweah’s administrative responsibilities and were carried out within existing legal frameworks, including those governing the Central Bank of Liberia. In response, Boika maintained that holding public office does not grant unchecked authority over state resources.
The defense subsequently concluded its cross-examination, formally bringing Boika’s testimony to a close.
Following the development, prosecutors petitioned the court to issue subpoenas for two additional witnesses—Theophilus Larmie of the Central Bank of Liberia and Tanneh G. Brunson—whom they described as critical to strengthening their case.
State lawyers argued that the witnesses were not previously called due to the extended three-week cross-examination of earlier witnesses. They told the court that the request is consistent with prior discussions held in chambers and is intended to ensure a fair and comprehensive presentation of evidence, rather than to delay proceedings.
The prosecution also requested a brief continuance to secure the witnesses’ appearance when the trial resumes on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The court is expected to rule on the application as proceedings continue.
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