Criminal Court ‘C’ Reclaims Case Against Samuel Tweah, Others After Supreme Court Mandate

Monrovia, Liberia: Criminal Court “C” at the Temple of Justice has formally resumed jurisdiction over the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and four other former officials, following the reading of the Supreme Court’s mandate.

The development clears the way for trial proceedings to move forward after months of legal uncertainty surrounding questions of immunity. The Supreme Court, in its clarification, held that presidential immunity protections cannot be extended to other government officials, effectively removing a major procedural barrier that had stalled the case.

With the mandate now read into the record, the trial court is expected to proceed with hearings consistent with the high court’s ruling.

Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah, speaking after the proceedings, expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved without prolonged delay, emphasizing the government’s readiness to prosecute the case.

The case stems from allegations tied to the handling of public financial matters during the previous administration. Prosecutors have argued that the charges raise issues of accountability in public service, while the defense previously challenged aspects of the proceedings, including questions relating to immunity and jurisdiction.

Legal debate intensified after defense lawyers sought to rely on constitutional interpretations that they argued shielded certain officials from prosecution. The Supreme Court’s intervention became central to determining whether the lower court could proceed.

By clarifying that immunity provisions are strictly limited and not transferable beyond the presidency, the Supreme Court’s mandate has now reset the trajectory of the case.

The resumption of jurisdiction by Criminal Court “C” marks the next phase in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched trials involving former senior officials.