The high-profile criminal trial involving five former Liberian government officials accused of mishandling more than US$6 million has entered a decisive phase, with defense attorneys formally closing their case and signaling readiness for final arguments before the jury.
At Criminal Court “C” on Monday, defense lawyers informed presiding Judge Ousman Feika that they had completed the presentation of both witness testimony and documentary evidence in response to the prosecution’s allegations. The court accepted the defense’s decision to rest its case after the final witness, former Solicitor General Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, took the stand.
The defense team wrapped up its presentation after calling three regular witnesses and one subpoenaed witness, all of whom were brought forward to challenge key elements of the prosecution’s indictment and weaken claims of financial wrongdoing.
With the defense now concluded, attention has shifted back to state prosecutors, who requested additional time to call rebuttal witnesses. Prosecutors are expected to return to court on Tuesday, May 5, to respond to issues raised during the defense’s case before the matter proceeds to closing legal arguments.
Judge Feika granted the request and adjourned proceedings until the next hearing, noting that the court’s official minutes from Monday’s session would serve as formal notice to all parties involved.
The latest development follows tense courtroom exchanges earlier in the proceedings, including accusations by defendant Jefferson Karmoh, who openly challenged the credibility of co-defendant Cllr. Tuan, alleging that his testimony regarding the disputed US$6.2 million was untrue.
The case, which has drawn significant public and legal attention, centers on allegations that the five former officials misappropriated over US$6 million in public funds—charges brought by the Grand Jury of Montserrado County.
As the trial nears its final stage, the court is expected to hear the prosecution’s rebuttal before jurors are presented with closing arguments that could shape the outcome of one of the country’s most closely watched financial crime cases.
