Liberia’s Former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah Released on Bail

In a dramatic turn of events, Samuel D. Tweah, Liberia’s former Finance Minister, surrendered himself to Criminal Court ‘C’ on Wednesday, September 25, and was later released on bail after being charged with looting the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) of millions of US dollars.

Tweah, who was accompanied by sympathizers from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), spent about 20 minutes on the prisoner’s bench before being released. The case is the first brought against him this year, and it marks the first time he has appeared in court.

The former Finance Minister’s bond was set at a staggering US$8 million, which he secured using his property. This development came after a last-minute shake-up of his legal team, with Tweah hiring James Kumeh, a veteran criminal defense lawyer, to represent him.

During the court proceedings, Cllr. Richard Scott, the Montserrado County Attorney, expressed concerns about the bond, stating that it had not been submitted to the court or served on them. However, Judge Blamo Dixon disagreed, ruling that the bond was in order and approving its release.

In a surprising move, Judge Dixon also advised Tweah of his rights, including his right to remain silent and his entitlement to a lawyer or lawyers of his own choice. The judge also informed Tweah that he was entitled to continuance, motion for change of venue, and motion to recuse the judge, if he so desired.

The trial date was set for November 12, 2024, and Judge Dixon ordered the sheriff to remove Tweah from the prisoner’s bench. With his release on bail, Tweah is expected to appear in court on the scheduled date to face charges of looting the FIA.

This development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Liberia, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold in the coming months.