Supreme Court Denies Tweah’s Re-Argument, Economic Crimes Case Moves Forward

Monrovia, Liberia: The Supreme Court of Liberia has dismissed a petition for re-argument filed by former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and several former senior government officials seeking protection from prosecution in an alleged economic crimes case.

In its ruling, the Court declared that its December 18, 2025 judgment stands in full force, effectively closing the door on attempts by the former officials to secure immunity.

The petitioners had argued that their roles as members of the National Security Council entitled them to immunity from criminal proceedings. They further contended that the Court relied on an incorrect statutory provision when rejecting that claim.

While acknowledging an error in citation, the Supreme Court described the mistake as inadvertent and without legal consequence. The justices clarified that although Section 2(g) of the National Security Reform and Intelligence Act was cited instead of Section 3(b), the correction does not alter the substance of the ruling.

The Court emphasized that Section 3(b) contains no language granting immunity to National Security Council members, rejecting the central argument advanced by the former officials.

The justices also reinforced a key constitutional principle, stating that presidential immunity under Article 61 is strictly personal and cannot be extended to appointed officials or members of advisory bodies.

With the re-argument petition denied, the matter will now return to the trial court for continuation of criminal proceedings.

The ruling is widely viewed as a significant judicial reaffirmation that membership in national security structures does not shield officials from accountability under criminal law.