Liberia: Judge Feika Rules in Tweah Acquittal Case Today

What the report says

AllAfrica, republishing the Liberian Observer, reported that Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman Feika was expected to rule on July 21 on whether alleged jury misconduct affected the May 8 acquittal of former Liberian Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. The case involved allegations tied to the alleged theft of more than US$6.2 million and L$1 billion, and the ruling could shape how Liberian courts handle juror accountability after verdicts in major criminal trials.

The report said Liberia’s Supreme Court allowed Judge Feika to continue a post-verdict inquiry after Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba declined to grant a writ of prohibition sought by Tweah’s defense. The defense argued that Criminal Court “C” no longer had authority once the jury had been discharged. The inquiry centers on affidavits from three jurors alleging breaches of sequestration rules, including phone access, social outings during the trial and unauthorized communications.

On May 8, the jury acquitted Tweah and former Financial Intelligence Agency Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper of all charges, while convicting former National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh and former Solicitor General Nyanti Tuan on some counts. Former FIA Director General Stanley Ford received a mixed verdict, according to the report. That combination of acquittals and convictions from the same deliberations is now a key issue.

The article noted that Tweah’s acquittal remains protected by Liberia’s constitutional ban on double jeopardy, even if misconduct is found. However, a finding of irregularities could lead to contempt proceedings or referrals involving jurors, and may give convicted defendants grounds to seek a new trial or appeal. The matter also raises wider questions about judicial oversight of juries after verdicts are delivered.