By Precious D. Freeman
The Ministry of Justice has formally requested the Supreme Court to halt the ongoing case involving defendant Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants, who are accused of economic sabotage and related crimes.
This move comes after months of delays and legal disputes over key aspects of the case, including the validity of the defendants’ property bond.
Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay, the current Chambers Justice, issued a temporary stay on proceedings in Criminal Court ‘C’, effectively halting all actions in the case until a scheduled conference on December 10, 2024.
The conference will allow the parties to discuss Justice’s petition and consider a writ that would pause further proceedings.
The case centers on allegations that Tweah, along with his co-defendants Tuan, Stanley Ford, and Moses P. Cooper conspired to misuse public funds, engage in fraud, and commit economic sabotage.
The defendants allegedly facilitated the transfer of over L$1 billion and US$500,000 from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to FIA operational accounts between September 8 through 21, 2023.
The case has faced multiple delays, including issues related to the US$8 million property valuation bond posted by one of the defendants, Patrick Coleman, is intended to prevent Tweah’s incarceration.
Justice’s request for a stay emphasizes concerns over Judge Blamo A. Dixon’s previous decisions, particularly his granting of the bond, which the prosecution argues is insufficient.
The defense, led by Arthur Johnson has accused the prosecution of engaging in delay tactics that undermine the defendants’ due process rights.
Cllr. Johnson argued that the prosecution’s failure to adhere to court orders and timely submit evidence amounts to contempt of court.
The defense has repeatedly criticized the Ministry of Justice’s actions and suggested that the prosecution’s delays are politically motivated, aiming to discredit and imprison Tweah without a fair trial.
Cllr. Johnson pointed to the failure of the prosecution to turn over evidence to the defense as required by a September 2024 court order, accusing the Justice of issuing unmeritorious excuses through letters from Montserrado County Attorney, Richards Scott.
He argued that these letters, which sought to excuse the prosecution’s delays, should have been presented in court and heard before a judge, rather than being dictated to the court.
The defense contends that the prosecution’s handling of the case represents a deliberate attempt to bypass proper legal procedures and create further delays.
According to Cllr. Johnson, the Ministry of Justice’s request for a stay is part of a broader strategy to obstruct the defendants’ right to a speedy trial.
The prosecution, however, maintains that the issues surrounding the bond and the delays in producing evidence are legitimate and necessary for the case to proceed properly.
They have emphasized that the decisions made by Judge Dixon, particularly concerning the bond, are not consistent with the law and that further investigation is needed.
The case has attracted widespread public attention due to the prominent positions held by the accused individuals and the serious charges they face.
Former Finance Minister Tweah has dismissed the case as politically motivated, claiming it is part of a broader effort to undermine his reputation and discredit the government of former President George Weah.
With the temporary stay order in place, all proceedings in the case are suspended until the conference on December 10.
During this conference, Justice Gbeisay will review Justice’s request and the issues surrounding the US$8 million property bond and other related matters.
The outcome of the conference will determine the next steps in what is already a highly complex and contentious trial.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes are on the judicial system to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of the accused are protected under the law.
