Africa-Press – Liberia. By Lincoln G. Peters
Temple of Justice, Monrovia, Liberia – April 13, 2026: The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has told Criminal Court “C” that investigators were able to trace a controversial US$6.2 million up to the point it was withdrawn in cash, but its use afterward remains unaccounted for.
Testifying in court, LACC Chief Investigator Baba Mohammed Boika said the funds were tracked to the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) before being withdrawn under unclear circumstances. Boika appeared as a key prosecution witness under cross-examination in the ongoing landmark corruption trial involving former senior security officials.
According to Boika, former National Security Advisor Jefferson S. Karmoh played a central role in initiating a series of actions that ultimately led to the disputed handling of the funds. He told the court that Karmoh exceeded his authority by involving the FIA in joint security activities without approval from the National Security Council or the Minister of Justice, who chairs that body.
As evidence, the prosecution presented a letter dated July 5, 2022, confirming the FIA’s involvement. However, Boika noted that the document lacked formal justification for the agency’s participation.
The court also heard testimony regarding the role of former Acting Minister of Justice Nyanti Tuan, who reportedly communicated with the FIA on September 5, 2023, stating that funds had been secured for national security operations. Boika said Tuan acknowledged acting on Karmoh’s instructions following several discussions, though the source of the funds was not disclosed.
“We were able to track the money up to the point it was withdrawn,” Boika told the court. “After that, there has been no clear account of how it was used.”
He further testified that investigators have not found any credible evidence showing that the funds reached legitimate joint security institutions, despite claims that the money was intended for national security purposes.
Central to the case is the movement of US$6.2 million after it reached the FIA. Boika said former FIA Comptroller Moses Cooper gave conflicting accounts about what happened to the cash.
According to Boika, Cooper initially claimed the money was handed over to unidentified individuals at a commercial bank but later stated that it was left at the Central Bank of Liberia with a third party who did not acknowledge receipt.
Under questioning by defense lawyers, Boika conceded that there is no direct documentation linking Karmoh to the physical handling of the cash.
Nevertheless, he maintained that Karmoh’s role in initiating and directing the process makes him complicit, likening the situation to facilitating wrongdoing.
Boika also emphasized that public officials responsible for state funds are legally obligated to account for their use. He told the court that those involved are in the best position to explain how the money was disbursed but have allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations.
Further testimony revealed additional procedural breaches, including the absence of a formal request from the National Security Council to the Ministry of Finance, a mandatory step for any transfer of funds, whether on- or off-budget. Boika disclosed that investigators uncovered three transfer documents claiming ministerial approval that were not properly authorized.
Court proceedings are scheduled to resume today, Monday, April 13, 2026, with continued cross-examination.
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