By James T. Brooks
MONROVIA — Jurors at Criminal Court ‘C’ on Friday acquitted former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and former FIA Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper of economic sabotage and five related charges. The court found that prosecutors failed to prove the men illegally diverted $6.2 million in national security funds during the 2023 elections.
The not guilty verdict followed weeks of testimony, legal arguments, and intensive cross-examinations in what has become one of Liberia’s most closely watched corruption trials in recent years. Tweah and Cooper faced a heavy indictment including economic sabotage, criminal conspiracy, theft of property, money laundering, criminal facilitation, and misuse of public funds.
The prosecution’s case rested on the allegation that the two officials—both key members of former President George Weah’s administration—withdrew and disbursed state funds for purposes that fell outside of their authorized scope.
However, defense lawyers maintained throughout the trial that the funds were specifically authorized for national security operations and were processed through established, legitimate state security channels. A central pillar of the defense was the argument that the prosecution presented no evidence to suggest that either defendant personally converted the funds for private use or personal gain.
Ultimately, the jury agreed with the defense’s position. As the verdict was read, supporters of the defendants erupted in celebration outside the Temple of Justice, while family members and political allies embraced the acquitted officials inside the courtroom.
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