Testimonies in the ongoing corruption trial at Criminal Court “C” have further implicated former senior security officials in the alleged mismanagement of US$6.2 million.
Appearing under cross-examination, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) investigator Baba Mohammed Boika told the court that former National Security Advisor Jefferson S. Karmoh played a key role in initiating the chain of events that led to the controversial handling of the funds.
Boika testified that Karmoh acted outside his authority by bringing the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) into the Joint Security framework without the approval of the National Security Council or the Minister of Justice, who chairs the body.
According to the witness, a letter dated July 5, 2022, confirmed the FIA’s inclusion, but no justification for the decision was documented. The court also heard that on September 5, 2023, another former official, Nyanti Tuan, informed the FIA that funds had been secured for national security purposes. However, the source of the funds was not disclosed, raising concerns during the investigation.
Boika testified that Tuan admitted acting on Karmoh’s instructions following several discussions between the two. At the center of the case is US$6.2 million that investigators say was transferred to the FIA and later withdrawn in cash, with no clear record of how the money was used.
Boika further told the court that former FIA Comptroller Moses Cooper gave conflicting accounts regarding the funds’ whereabouts, initially claiming the cash was handed over to unidentified individuals at a bank, and later stating it was left at the Central Bank with a third party who did not sign for it.
“We followed the money to the point of withdrawal,” Boika said. “Beyond that, the defendants have failed to show how it was used.” He emphasized that no credible evidence has been presented to confirm that any portion of the funds reached legitimate Joint Security institutions.
During cross-examination, defense lawyers questioned whether there was direct evidence linking Karmoh to the physical handling or receipt of the funds.
Boika acknowledged that no such documentation exists but maintained that Karmoh’s role in initiating the process and directing others makes him complicit.
He likened the situation to “opening the door for a thief,” suggesting that facilitation can amount to participation in corruption. Boika also stressed that officials responsible for authorizing or controlling public funds are obligated to account for their use.
He noted that the defendants are best positioned to explain how the money was distributed but have so far failed to do so. Despite claims that the funds were used for national security, no specific agency or institution has been identified as a recipient. The case is expected to resume on Monday, April 13, 2026, with the continuation of cross-examination.
