In a recent development, the Supreme Court of Liberia has stepped in to temporarily pause the trial of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several others. The decision came from Justice in Chambers, Her Honor Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson, who issued a stay order on the proceedings at Criminal Court C, located at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
The trial, which has been the focus of significant public attention, has now been put on hold. The court has called for all parties involved to attend a conference scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Justice Chamber. This conference is expected to address key issues raised in the case before any further steps are taken.
The stay order was issued following a petition for a writ of prohibition, which was filed by the legal team representing Samuel Tweah and the other defendants. Their lawyers had earlier submitted a motion to dismiss the indictment against their clients, but this motion was denied by the presiding judge, Judge Roosevelt Willie. The defense team argued that their clients acted in accordance with the National Security Act when they authorized the withdrawal of funds amounting to LRD 1,055,152 and US$500,000 from the Central Bank of Liberia. They claim that these actions were taken to address urgent national security concerns.
The case has sparked considerable debate, as it touches on issues of governance, accountability, and the interpretation of national security protocols. The defendants maintain that their actions were lawful and necessary, while the prosecution argues otherwise.
For now, the stay order means that the trial will not proceed until after the conference next week. This pause allows the Supreme Court to carefully consider the arguments presented by both sides and determine the next steps in the legal process.
As the situation unfolds, many Liberians are watching closely to see how the judiciary navigates this complex and high-profile case. The outcome could have significant implications for how national security and financial oversight are managed in the future.
