–Special Investigation Committee Begins Work as Government Moves to Preserve Jurisdiction Over 15 Jurors Accused of Alleged Misconduct that Forced Retrial of High-Profile Corruption Case
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Ministry of Justice has intensified its investigation into alleged jury misconduct that derailed the high-profile US$6.2 million corruption trial involving former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and several co-defendants by first releasing detained jurors under strict conditions and subsequently asking the court to prevent them from leaving Liberia.
The latest development comes as prosecutors seek a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica from Criminal Court “C” to ensure the 15 jurors remain within Liberia’s jurisdiction while criminal investigations continue into allegations of jury tampering and misconduct that ultimately led to the collapse of one of the country’s most closely watched corruption prosecutions.
Jurors Released but Ordered to Remain Available
The Ministry of Justice recently released 12 jurors who had been detained following an order issued by Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman F. Feika.
The jurors were released into the custody of their legal counsel after spending several days in detention, but on the condition that they report to the Ministry of Justice whenever required as investigators continue examining the allegations.
Their release followed an earlier decision by the Ministry to free three of the 15 detained jurors on July 23, 2026.
Those three jurors reportedly cooperated with investigators and provided information relating to the alleged jury misconduct, with judicial sources indicating that their testimony could prove significant in determining how the alleged violations occurred.
Although no longer in custody, all 15 jurors remain subjects of an active criminal investigation.
Justice Ministry Now Seeks Travel Ban
As investigations intensified, the Ministry filed a petition before Assigned Circuit Judge Ousman F. Feika requesting the issuance of a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica—a legal order that would prohibit the jurors from leaving Liberia while the investigation remains ongoing.
If granted, the writ would require the jurors to remain within the jurisdiction of Liberian courts until prosecutors determine whether criminal charges should be brought against any member of the panel.
According to the Ministry’s petition, the travel restriction is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation and ensure that all individuals under scrutiny remain available for questioning or possible prosecution.
Government lawyers argue that allowing any of the jurors to leave Liberia before the investigation concludes could frustrate the administration of justice and potentially undermine efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged misconduct.
Prosecutors are therefore asking the court to exercise its authority by issuing the writ pending completion of the investigation.
Jurors Named in Court Filing
The jurors identified in the Ministry’s application are:
- Jamesetta K. W. Higgins;
- Patricia Neewhord;
- Sando Mulbah;
- Lucy T. Menyongai;
- Cynthia Tarplah;
- Albertine D. Bai;
- Siah J. Tadapolie;
- Mamu Anderson;
- Arnold Vincent;
- Joeviria Pinky Bai;
- Catherine S. Quawah;
- Harriet J. Togba;
- Maximum I. Dillion;
- George K. Dennis; and
- Saah Jonathan Bundoo.
Five-Member Investigation Committee Begins Work
The Ministry has also established a five-member Special Investigation Committee to conduct what it describes as a comprehensive, professional and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The committee was constituted by Solicitor General Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah and is chaired by Cllr. Sumo Kutu-Akoi.
Other members include:
- Atty. Prince Korvah;
- Cllr. Joel E. Theoway;
- Mr. Divine K. Togbah; and
- Cllr. Elisha Forekeyor.
The committee has been given one month to complete its investigation and submit its findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Justice.
Probe Triggered by Alleged Sequestration Violations
The investigation stems from allegations that members of the sequestered jury violated strict court rules by using mobile phones and communicating with individuals outside the designated jury quarters while the corruption trial was underway.
Under Liberian law, jurors placed under sequestration are prohibited from communicating with outside parties in order to preserve the fairness, impartiality and integrity of judicial proceedings.
The allegations raised concerns that unauthorized communications may have compromised the trial.
Following reports of possible misconduct, Judge Feika launched an internal inquiry into the jurors’ conduct.
After reviewing the evidence, the judge concluded that there was sufficient evidence to establish serious violations of the court’s sequestration order.
He subsequently held the entire jury panel in contempt of court, ordered their arrest and directed that they be committed to the Monrovia Central Prison before referring the matter to the Ministry of Justice for criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
Corruption Trial Ordered to Start Over
The alleged jury misconduct dramatically altered one of Liberia’s most consequential corruption prosecutions.
As a direct consequence of the findings, Judge Feika nullified the jury’s verdict and ordered that the case be retried before a newly constituted jury.
The corruption case involves former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and several former senior government officials accused in connection with the alleged mismanagement of approximately US$6.2 million in public funds.
The defendants have consistently denied the allegations against them.
Broader Implications for Liberia’s Justice System
While the focus initially centered on the corruption allegations against former government officials, attention has increasingly shifted toward the integrity of Liberia’s judicial process itself.
Legal observers say the Ministry’s decision to seek a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica underscores the seriousness with which prosecutors are treating the jury misconduct investigation and reflects an effort to prevent any potential witness or suspect from placing themselves beyond the reach of Liberian courts.
The court is now expected to determine whether the Ministry has established sufficient legal grounds to impose the requested travel restrictions while investigations continue.
The outcome is expected to have significant implications not only for the ongoing jury misconduct investigation but also for public confidence in Liberia’s judicial system and the administration of justice in one of the country’s most closely watched corruption cases.
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