Omanghana
The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled that former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several other ex-government officials are not immune from criminal prosecution, paving the way for their long-anticipated trial to proceed.
In a final decision delivered on February 12, 2026, the court denied a petition for re-argument filed by the defendants, effectively closing the door on further legal challenges to its earlier ruling and affirming that the case should move forward without delay.
Immunity Claims Rejected
The Supreme Court firmly dismissed arguments that Mr. Tweah and other former members of Liberia’s National Security Council (NSC) were shielded by presidential-style immunity. The justices clarified that Article 61 of the Liberian Constitution grants immunity exclusively to a sitting president for official acts performed while in office. This protection, the court emphasized, does not extend to ministers, advisers, or former officials—regardless of their roles at the time of the alleged offenses.
Correction of Earlier Citation Error
While acknowledging a minor citation error in its original opinion issued on December 18, 2025, the court stressed that the mistake had no bearing on the substance or outcome of the ruling. The justices maintained that their legal reasoning remained sound and that the defendants are legally required to stand trial.
Directive to the Trial Court
The Supreme Court has instructed the Montserrado County Criminal Court C to resume jurisdiction over the matter and proceed with the prosecution in accordance with the law.
Charges Filed
Mr. Tweah is standing trial alongside several former senior officials, including former Acting Justice Minister Nyenati Tuan and former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh. The defendants face multiple charges, including economic sabotage, theft of property, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy.
Allegations
The case revolves around the alleged unauthorized transfer of more than L$1 billion and US$500,000 from the Central Bank of Liberia to the Financial Intelligence Agency in September 2023. Prosecutors allege that the funds were subsequently withdrawn without proper legal authorization or justification, raising serious concerns about the misuse of public resources.
Significance of the Decision
No public official—past or present—is above the law. By narrowing the scope of constitutional immunity, the Supreme Court has sent a strong signal in support of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Liberia’s governance system.
With the legal hurdles now cleared, attention turns to the trial proceedings, which are expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally due to their implications for public financial management and anti-corruption efforts in Liberia.
Source: Omanghana
