Published: July 29, 2024
Monrovia – Former Solicitor General, Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, has been arrested on the orders of the Monrovia City Court as part of a sweeping investigation into allegations of economic sabotage, theft, and illegal disbursement of public funds. The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown involving several high-ranking officials, including former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah.
By Garmah Lomo and Lennart Dodoo
The charges, brought by the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), allege a sophisticated scheme to defraud the government. Presiding over the case, His Honor L. Ben Barco, Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, denied a motion by Cllr. Tuan’s lawyers for personal recognizance for Tuan and D. Moses P. Cooper, former Comptroller of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA). Despite no objection from the prosecution, the Magistrate urged the lawyers to file a proper criminal appearance bond.
Other key defendants are Stanley S. Ford, former Director of the FIA, and Jefferson Karmoh, former National Security Advisor.
The allegations detail a conspiracy beginning in July 2023, where the defendants are accused of colluding to defraud the Government of Liberia. In September 2023, under the guise of performing their official duties, the defendants allegedly orchestrated unauthorized and illegal transfers from the Central Bank of Liberia. The funds in question amount to L$1,055,145,040.00 and US$500,000.00, allegedly stolen and converted for personal use.
According to the writ, these funds were withdrawn shortly after the transfers without any documentation of their intended use or disbursement. This act, described as unlawful, wicked, and intentional, is a direct violation of the New Penal Law of Liberia. The charges include economic sabotage under Section 15.80 (a)(b)(c), misuse of public money or property, theft, illegal disbursement, expenditure of public money, theft of property, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.
Captain Charles Bloyuefloh of the Magistrate Police has been commanded to arrest the defendants and bring them to the Monrovia City Court to answer these charges. The Ministry of Justice and LACC argue that this conspiracy severely undermines the economic stability and integrity of the Liberian government.
Further updates on this developing story will be provided as more information becomes available.
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