By Precious D. Freeman
Judge Blamo A. Dixon of Criminal Court “C”, has issued a strict 72-hour ultimatum to the Liberian government to produce evidence against former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants in their high-profile economic sabotage case.
The directive follows repeated delays attributed to the prosecution, prompting concerns about their preparedness to proceed with the trial.
“The prosecution is given 72 hours to produce the evidence to the defense team and to start the case within the 72 hours,” Judge Dixon announced during Wednesday’s hearing.
The trial has faced several postponements over the past weeks, with prosecutors citing engagements such as workshops and other high-priority obligations.
Judge Dixon, however, expressed frustration with what he described as ongoing delays, leading to his firm stance.
In addition to setting the deadline, Judge Dixon dismissed the prosecution’s argument contesting the sufficiency of the defendants’ property valuation bond, valued at $8 million USD.
The prosecution had alleged that the bond was insufficient, but the judge ruled otherwise, citing constitutional provisions that ensure the right to bail for accused persons.
Referring to Article 21 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, Judge Dixon stated:
“All accused persons shall be bailable upon their personal recognizance or by sufficient sureties, depending upon the gravity of the charge, unless charged for capital offenses or grave offenses as defined by law. Excessive bail shall not be required.”
The judge further highlighted protections for defendants, including their right to be informed of charges, legal counsel during investigations, and protections against coerced statements.
Former Finance Minister Tweah is charged alongside former Acting Justice Minister Nyanti Tuan, former Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Director General Stanley Ford, and former FIA Comptroller Moses P. Cooper.
They are accused of conspiring to misuse public funds, commit fraud, and engage in theft between September 8 and September 21, 2023.
Court documents allege that a total of L$1.055 billion and US$500,000 were improperly transferred to FIA operational accounts from the Central Bank of Liberia under instructions from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Judge Dixon also denied two separate writs filed by the prosecution, seeking to subpoena Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah to testify regarding the defense’s bond.
Defense lawyer Cllr. Arthur Johnson argued that bond validity is a matter for the court and does not require third-party testimony.
Judge Dixon sided with the defense, explaining that Liberian law allows the prosecution to challenge bond sufficiency by filing a notice of exceptions.
The case has garnered widespread public interest as it involves prominent officials from former President George Weah’s administration.
Judge Dixon’s decisions underscore a delicate balance between ensuring justice and upholding constitutional rights.
With the 72-hour ultimatum now in place, all eyes are on the prosecution to comply and for the trial to proceed without further delays.
