By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gberisay of the Supreme Court of Liberia has granted a writ of certiorari requested by state prosecutors in the case against former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah.
This writ orders Criminal Court “C” to send all relevant documents to the Supreme Court for review. On December 23, 2024, prosecutors filed the petition against Judge A. Blamo Dixon for his refusal to recuse himself from the case for a second time. They allege that Judge Dixon has shown bias since the case began.
The prosecution cited several grounds for recusal, including prejudice, conflict of interest, and improper conduct. Judge Dixon has denied these allegations, asserting that he has not violated any judicial standards in the ongoing proceedings involving Tweah and others.
Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweh, who was previously sanctioned by the US for corruption, in July of 2024 along with four former officials of the Weah lead administration were indicted for economic sabotage, illegal disbursement and expenditure of public money, criminal conspiracy, and other charges.
The co-defendants include former Solicitor General Nyanti Tuan, Stanley S. Ford, former Director General Financial Intelligence Agency, D. Moses Cooper former Controller General Financial Intelligence Agency, and Jefferson Karmoh former national security adviser to President George Weah.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, the Chamber Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Gberisay heard arguments in the matter. Subsequently, ordering defendant Samuel Tweah and his co-defendants, and Judge Blamo Dixon to appear and file their responses by January 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. They are required to show cause why the petition for a writ of certiorari should not be granted.
“You are hereby order to file your responses by January 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. showing cause why the petition for a writ of certiorari should not be granted.”
