The defense in the trial of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and others gained momentum this week after Deputy Finance Minister for Budget Tanneh Brunson cast doubt on claims that a disputed L$1.05 billion and US$500,000 transaction was illegal.
During cross-examination of lead investigator Baba Borkai, defense lawyers highlighted that Brunson never described the transaction as “illegal” in her statement to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), despite Borkai relying on her remarks to suggest wrongdoing.
Taking the stand, Deputy Finance Minister for Budget Tanneh Brunson confirmed she was unaware of the transaction because it did not pass through the standard allotment process. However, she emphasized that such direct debit transactions are “technically possible” under emergency circumstances, including national crises like COVID-19.
Her testimony challenges the prosecution’s claim that all government spending must strictly follow budgetary allotment procedures, pointing out circumstances where that may not be the case.
Meanwhile, Central Bank witness Theophilus Lamin drew scrutiny after giving inconsistent testimony about his role. Defense counsel questioned the plausibility of a single individual handling such large sums, illustrating the amount as equivalent to 25 to100-kg bags of rice, prompting laughter in court.
Observers say the prosecution’s own witnesses may be strengthening the defense case, as questions grow over whether the funds were linked to national security operations—a practice some say is not uncommon.
With the prosecution nearing the end of its case, the defense appears increasingly well-positioned ahead of presenting its own witnesses.
