By Amos Harris
MONROVIA — The First Judicial Circuit Criminal Assizes “C” at the Temple of Justice has launched a major investigation into alleged jury misconduct and tampering in the high-profile economic crimes case involving several former senior government officials of Liberia. According to an official court citation dated May 18, 2026, and issued by the Office of the Clerk of Court in Monrovia, defense lawyers representing the accused have been ordered to appear before Criminal Court “C” on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for an inquiry into allegations raised under oath by three jurors who reportedly served during the trial.
This dramatic development has intensified public attention surrounding the case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweh, former Acting Justice Minister Cllr. Nyanti Tuan, former Financial Intelligence Agency Director Stanley S. Ford, former Financial Intelligence Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper, and former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh. The defendants are facing multiple serious charges, including economic sabotage, theft of property, money laundering, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy. Court documents indicate the allegations center on fraud involving the Internal Revenue of Liberia, the misuse of public money, and the illegal disbursement and expenditure of state funds.
In the citation addressed to several defense attorneys, including Cllr. M. Wilkin Wright, Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson, and Cllr. Mammie S. Gongbah, the court disclosed that the investigation was ordered by Assigned Circuit Judge His Honor Ousman F. Feika. The court stated that the investigation stems from sworn affidavits reportedly filed by three jurors alleging possible misconduct during the handling of the case. While details of the alleged tampering were not fully disclosed in the citation, the allegations have already sparked deep concerns over the integrity and credibility of the judicial process.
Meanwhile, the court has suspended the scheduled hearing into the defendants’ Motion for New Trial pending the outcome of the jury misconduct investigation. The decision signals the seriousness of the allegations and the potential legal implications if evidence of interference is established. Legal analysts say the unfolding situation could have major consequences for both the prosecution and the defense, especially in a politically sensitive corruption case involving former officials of the George Weah administration.
The controversy also raises broader national questions about the protection of jurors, transparency in criminal proceedings, and public confidence in Liberia’s justice system. Critics argue that any proven attempt to manipulate jurors would represent a dangerous attack on judicial independence and the rule of law. The citation was signed by Clerk of Court J. Amos F. Gbowah and carries the official seal of the court, with a handwritten acknowledgment on the document indicating it was received on May 19, 2026. As the investigation begins, many Liberians are closely watching the Temple of Justice to see whether the allegations will expose deeper problems within the country’s criminal justice system or further complicate one of Liberia’s most closely followed corruption prosecutions.
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