Liberia’s Supreme Court has stepped in to enforce transparency in a growing controversy over alleged jury misconduct in the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah and others.
On May 28, 2026, Justice Yusuf D. Kaba, sitting in Chambers, instructed Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman Feika to conduct any investigation into claims of jury tampering in open court, with both prosecution and defense present. The ruling overturns Judge Feika’s earlier plan to privately question jurors without the involvement of either side.
The decision followed a conference where all parties agreed that while complaints raised after a verdict may be reviewed, the process must be conducted publicly to ensure fairness and accountability.
The dispute arose after defense lawyers filed a writ of prohibition in response to Judge Feika’s attempt to privately examine allegations reportedly made by three jurors who voted to convict Tweah. Although the jurors’ claims have not been publicly disclosed, speculation centers on the possible presence of mobile phones in the jury room during sequestration. Meanwhile, nine jurors who voted to acquit have reportedly said they were unaware of any such violations.
The government’s renewed focus on possible jury tampering—despite Tweah’s acquittal—has sparked debate among legal observers. Some argue that under Liberian law, an acquittal is final and cannot be overturned through post-verdict investigations. Critics also warn that pursuing the matter could raise uncomfortable questions about the role of court officers and security personnel responsible for supervising jurors.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh had initially accepted the trial’s mixed outcome, describing it as evidence that the anti-corruption system was functioning. However, the government’s apparent shift toward revisiting the case has drawn scrutiny, particularly given that the allegations surfaced more than a week after the jury was discharged.
Some analysts have questioned the timing and intent of the probe, suggesting it may carry political undertones rather than purely legal objectives. Concerns have also been raised about whether the investigation could undermine confidence in the judiciary instead of strengthening it.
Judge Feika is expected to begin the open-court proceedings next week. However, legal experts emphasize that even if misconduct is proven, the acquittal itself cannot be reversed under existing law.
As the case unfolds, it is increasingly being viewed as a critical test of judicial transparency and the boundaries of post-verdict scrutiny in Liberia’s legal system.
