–Former Finance Minister Says He Will Reject Any New Trial, Vows to Fight What He Calls Political Persecution
MONROVIA – Former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has made explosive allegations against Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, claiming the Vice President instructed Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman Feika to overturn the jury’s acquittal in the high-profile US$6.2 million economic sabotage case.
In a lengthy statement posted Monday, July 20, on his official Facebook page, Tweah alleged that senior government officials have been divided over whether to challenge the verdict that cleared him of all charges, accusing the Unity Party administration of attempting to undermine judicial independence for political gain.
The allegations come ahead of an anticipated ruling by Judge Feika in ongoing proceedings stemming from an investigation into alleged jury misconduct following the trial.
The Liberian Post has not independently verified Tweah’s allegations, and the Office of the Vice President had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of publication.
Claims of Political Interference
Tweah alleged that Judge Feika has been pressured to set aside the jury’s verdict based on what he described as a “bogus and spurious” allegation of jury misconduct.
“Vice President Jeremiah Koung has instructed Judge Ousman Feika to overturn a verdict of acquittal on a bogus and spurious allegation of ‘jury misconduct,'” Tweah wrote.
He further claimed that the judge had found no evidence linking either him or his legal team to any alleged misconduct.
According to Tweah, internal disagreements have emerged within government over the handling of the case.
He alleged that some government officials and members of the Supreme Court had cautioned against overturning the acquittal, warning that doing so would set a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s justice system.
Tweah also claimed that Vice President Koung insisted political considerations should take precedence over concerns about the rule of law.
Those assertions could not be independently confirmed.
Background to the Case
Tweah was among several former officials of the administration of former President George Manneh Weah charged in connection with the alleged diversion of US$6.2 million intended for national security operations.
The indictment included charges of economic sabotage, theft of property, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and criminal facilitation.
Following months of trial proceedings before Criminal Court “C”, a jury on May 8, 2026, acquitted Tweah and former Financial Intelligence Agency Comptroller Moses P. Cooper, finding that prosecutors had failed to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Other defendants received different verdicts, including convictions and a hung verdict.
Shortly after the verdict, three jurors filed a complaint alleging misconduct during jury deliberations, prompting Judge Feika to order an investigation into allegations that some jurors possessed mobile phones and communicated with individuals outside the jury quarters.
The investigation has continued for several weeks and remains separate from the jury’s original verdict.
‘I Am a Free Man’
Tweah maintained that the jury’s verdict settled the matter and declared that he considers himself legally exonerated.
“As for me, the ruling tomorrow (today) has no bearing since nine patriotic jurors have already delivered their verdict, declaring me a free man based on the evidence presented to them,” he wrote.
The former minister recalled becoming emotional when the verdict was announced, saying he believed the jurors had resisted political pressure.
“When that decision was announced in court I cried to celebrate their courage and patriotism,” he said.
Rejects Any New Trial
Tweah also warned that he would refuse to participate in what he characterized as a politically motivated retrial should Judge Feika rule against him.
“Judge Feika has only one option and that is to issue my certificate of freedom tomorrow,” he asserted.
“If he refuses, I will submit to no bogus political trial in violation of my constitutional rights.”
He described himself as the victim of political persecution, declaring that attempts to prosecute him had transformed him from what opponents allegedly sought to portray as a criminal into what he called “a freedom fighter.”
Accuses Government of Threatening Rule of Law
The former Finance Minister argued that Liberia had moved beyond the era when political leaders could dictate judicial outcomes, invoking the country’s democratic struggles and the sacrifices of prominent political figures who died during periods of political turmoil.
He warned that any interference in the judiciary would reverse decades of democratic progress and undermine constitutional governance.
Tweah further alleged that if members of the Judiciary succumb to political pressure, Liberia risks returning to an era in which executive influence supersedes the rule of law.
He concluded his statement with a series of political slogans condemning what he described as tyranny and judicial manipulation before announcing plans to address the media following the court’s ruling.
No Official Response Yet
As of publication, neither the Office of Vice President Jeremiah Koung, the Ministry of Justice, nor the Judiciary had publicly responded to Tweah’s allegations.
Judge Ousman Feika has also not commented publicly on the claims attributed to him.
The Liberian Post will continue to monitor developments and seek responses from all parties named in Tweah’s statement.
For breaking news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive reports from Liberia and around the world, follow The Liberian Post on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576017166570) and X, formerly Twitter (https://x.com/LiberianPost).
