MONROVIA — Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has firmly rejected all corruption allegations against him as proceedings continue in a high-profile US$6.2 million case before Criminal Court “C”.
Testifying on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Tweah dismissed charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and misuse of public funds brought by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
The case centers on allegations that Tweah and four other former officials authorized the transfer of more than L$1 billion and US$500,000 without proper documentation or legal backing.
Defense Challenges Prosecution’s Evidence
During his testimony, Tweah argued that the prosecution has failed to present credible evidence linking him to any criminal wrongdoing. He described the allegations as speculative, pointing to what he said was the absence of key evidentiary elements.
“There are no bank statements, no witnesses, and no communications that establish any conspiracy,” Tweah told the court.
He further maintained that there is no proof he personally benefited from the transactions or acted outside decisions sanctioned by the National Security Council.
Ministerial Authority at the Center
A central pillar of Tweah’s defense is his assertion that, as finance minister, he exercised lawful discretion over government spending—particularly in matters relating to national security.
He explained that certain urgent financial decisions may be executed without formal written authorization, especially under sensitive circumstances.
“Government funds operate as a pool,” he said, arguing that officials in his position are empowered to allocate resources when necessary to address pressing national needs.
Rejects Conspiracy and Money Laundering Claims
Addressing allegations involving former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan, Tweah dismissed claims of criminal conspiracy, stating that there is no evidence of coordinated intent among officials carrying out official duties.
He also rejected the charge of money laundering, emphasizing that the transactions in question were conducted strictly between government accounts.
Questions and Contradictions
Despite his denials, aspects of Tweah’s testimony have drawn scrutiny in court. While asserting that written authorization is not always required, he also suggested that approvals from relevant security institutions existed—though no such documentation has been presented.
He cited national security confidentiality as justification for withholding certain details, a position that has raised concerns about transparency.
Additionally, while criticizing investigators for failing to trace the funds, Tweah did not provide a detailed account of how the money was ultimately utilized.
Prosecution Maintains Case
Prosecutors, however, continue to insist that the transactions were irregular and lacked proper authorization. The indictment highlights the absence of formal instructions or approvals from relevant security bodies as a key issue.
Court proceedings have been marked by frequent objections from both sides, prompting the presiding judge to caution against repetitive questioning, describing some lines of inquiry as “unduly cumulative.”
The trial is scheduled to resume on April 23, 2026, at Criminal Court “C”, as the case continues to draw significant public attention over issues of accountability and financial governance.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
