By Vaye Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia — Testimony in the ongoing corruption trial at Criminal Court “C” has drawn deeper connections between former senior security officials and the controversial handling of US$6.2 million allegedly meant for national security operations.
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 central role in setting in motion the sequence of actions that led to the disputed use of the funds.
According to Boika, Karmoh exceeded his authority by involving the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) in Joint Security activities without the required approval of the National Security Council or the Minister of Justice, who chairs the body. Evidence presented included a letter dated July 5, 2022, confirming the FIA’s inclusion, though it reportedly lacked any formal justification.
The court also heard that former official Nyanti Tuan later communicated with the FIA on September 5, 2023, indicating that funds had been secured for national security purposes. However, the origin of the money was not disclosed. Investigators say Tuan acknowledged acting on Karmoh’s instructions following multiple discussions.
At the heart of the case is the movement of US$6.2 million, which investigators traced to the FIA before it was withdrawn in cash under unclear circumstances. Boika testified that former FIA Comptroller Moses Cooper gave inconsistent explanations about the funds, first 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“We were able to track the money up to the point it was withdrawn,” Boika said. “After that, there has been no clear account of how it was used.”
He further told the court that no credible evidence has been presented to show that any portion of the funds reached legitimate Joint Security institutions, despite claims that the money was allocated for national security purposes.
During questioning by defense lawyers, Boika admitted there is no direct documentation linking Karmoh to the physical handling of the cash. However, he maintained that Karmoh’s role in initiating and directing the process makes him complicit, likening the situation to enabling wrongdoing through facilitation.
Boika also emphasized that public officials responsible for managing state funds are legally obligated to account for their use. He noted that the individuals involved are best positioned to explain how the money was distributed but have so far failed to provide satisfactory answers.
Further testimony highlighted procedural violations, including the absence of a formal request to the Minister of Finance—a mandatory step for any fund transfer, whether on or off budget. Boika revealed that the investigation uncovered three transfer documents indicating ministerial approval that were not properly authorized.
With no confirmed recipient and no documented trail beyond the withdrawal, the case continues to raise serious concerns about accountability within the country’s security sector. Proceedings are set to resume on April 13, 2026, with continued cross-examination.
