Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah Summoned by Police Over Death of former IAA Boss

Monrovia – Samuel D. Tweah, former Finance Minister of Liberia, has been summoned by the Liberian National Police’s Cold Case Unit in connection with the mysterious death of Emmanuel Barthan Nyeswa, the former head of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). This follows his recent appearance in Criminal Court ‘C’ just one week ago.

Tweah, along with other former officials from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, including former health ministers and Bill Twehway, former Managing Director of the National Port Authority and now serving as Senator, has been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation into Nyeswa’s death.

Nyeswa’s body was discovered in his yard in Paynesville, a suburb of Monrovia, in October 2020. Initial reports suggested that he died after falling from his balcony following a night out in Monrovia’s Congo Town.

However, suspicions surrounding the circumstances of his death have persisted, prompting further investigation.

At a news conference held at the Liberia National Police headquarters, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman confirmed that several individuals have been interviewed regarding the case.

Among those questioned were prominent figures such as Cllr. Norris Tweh and Dr. Emmanuel Wreh, both of whom were reportedly present at JFK Memorial Hospital after the incident.

In a related development, Criminal Court ‘C’ issued a Ne-Exeat Republica writ on October 1, 2024, preventing Tweah and other key figures, including former Solicitor General Nyanti Tuan, from leaving the country. The court order was issued after concerns from the Ministry of Justice that the accused might attempt to flee Liberia.

The writ also mandates the confiscation of passports if any of the accused try to leave without court clearance, with instructions to detain them if the court is closed. The individuals are required to appear in court as investigations into the case continue.