MONROVIA — Two former senior security officials have testified before Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice, denying any knowledge of the involvement of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) in Liberia’s National Joint Security or the handling of security-related funds through its accounts.
Appearing Wednesday, former Minister of National Defense and Co-Chair of the Joint Security, Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn II, told the court he was unaware of any decision to admit the FIA into the Joint Security structure.
“I have no clue as it relates to the admittance of the FIA into the Joint Security,” Ziankahn stated in response to prosecution questions concerning events of July 5, 2023.
He further testified, “I have no idea as it relates to the disbursement of funds through the FIA,” maintaining that he had no knowledge of any such transactions during his tenure.
Ziankahn explained that the National Joint Security is chaired by the Minister of Justice, with all emergency operational and financial requests processed through that office before being forwarded to the National Security Council or the Ministry of Finance.
Also taking the stand, former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Major General Prince Charles Johnson III (Ret.), provided testimony consistent with Ziankahn’s account.
Johnson told the court that although he served as a member of the Joint Security between July and October 2023, he was not aware of the FIA being admitted into the body or participating in its meetings.
“Not to my knowledge,” he said when questioned about both the agency’s inclusion and any funds allegedly routed through it.
Emergency Funding Procedures Outlined
Providing further clarification, Johnson detailed the established process for handling national security emergency funds. According to him, security agencies submit operational requests during Joint Security meetings, after which the Minister of Justice consolidates the requests and forwards them to the Ministry of Finance for funding.
He emphasized that all emergency funds are processed through the Ministry of Justice, even when operations are executed under directives from the Commander-in-Chief.
Admission Process Explained
Responding to a question from the jury, Johnson explained that the admission of any new member into the Joint Security framework follows a formal process, including discussion and recommendation at the Joint Security level, approval by the President through the National Security Council, and the administration of an oath by the National Security Advisor.
He added that while the Minister of Justice chairs the Joint Security, the Minister of Defense presides in the Minister’s absence.
Key Denials
Both witnesses firmly denied any knowledge of:
- The FIA’s admission into the National Joint Security structure
- Any disbursement of national security funds through FIA accounts
Their testimonies are seen as significant to the defense, which has argued that the funds at the center of the case were used for legitimate joint security operations.
The trial, involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. and four co-defendants, continues as the court examines allegations surrounding the management and disbursement of national security funds.
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