Africa-Press – Liberia. The Supreme Court of Liberia has sent the high-profile criminal case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and four other defendants back to Criminal Court “C,” officially restoring the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.
The decision was made Tuesday, shortly after Criminal Court “B” formally read and transmitted the Supreme Court’s mandate, clearing the way for Criminal Court “C” to proceed.
The case against former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. stems from a major investigation into the alleged mismanagement and unauthorized disbursement of public funds during the previous administration.
State prosecutors allege that Tweah and several former officials authorized the transfer and use of millions of Liberian and United States dollars outside established public financial management procedures. The government contends these transactions violated the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law and other fiscal controls intended to safeguard public resources.
Tweah and his co-defendants have denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the financial actions in question were lawful and carried out in the interest of national security and government operations. The defense has consistently argued that the expenditures were approved through appropriate executive channels.
The matter has gone through several legal stages, including preliminary challenges over jurisdiction and procedural questions that eventually reached the Supreme Court. The High Court’s mandate now allows Criminal Court “C,” which handles economic and financial crimes, to resume jurisdiction and continue proceedings.
Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing, Deputy Information Minister Daniel Sanoe stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling rejected the defense’s request to halt the trial.
Deputy Minister Sanoe clarified that while the President of Liberia enjoys constitutional immunity for official acts, the court said such protection does not extend to other government officials.
He added that the Court’s decision removes the legal barrier that had stalled proceedings, reaffirming that public officials other than the President can be held accountable under the law for actions taken while in office.
After reading the mandate, Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah expressed confidence in the prosecution’s case and the pace of the trial. Fayiah told the court that proceedings are expected to move swiftly and predicted the case will be among the shortest trials currently on the court’s docket.
With jurisdiction now firmly restored, Criminal Court “C” is expected to proceed with pre-trial formalities and move the case forward, marking a significant step in one of Liberia’s most closely watched legal battles involving senior former government officials.
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