Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Wilson
Published on 2024-02-19 09:12:01
The controversy surrounding the US$150,000 presented to prosecutors in the Gloria Musu-Scott’s murder case continues to linger, with some lawyers denying any knowledge of the money. Cllr. Adolphus Karnuah, head of the Civil Litigation Unit at the Ministry of Justice and one of the lead prosecutors in the case, has distanced himself from the allegations, despite other lead prosecutors admitting to his receipt of a portion of the money.
Cllr. Bobby Livingstone, another lead prosecutor, admitted to receiving US$6,000 for personal use and revealed that the actual amount received for the trial was US$130,000, not US$150,000 as alleged by Cllr. Swahilo Sesay. Comptroller Milton M. Gaye from the Ministry of Justice acknowledged preparing the checks but refused to provide details about the money. He was referred to by Cllr. Karnuah as the source of information regarding those who received and signed for their portion of the US$130,000, deliberately avoiding providing information on who all signed for the money.
The hauling and pulling between the prosecutors involved in the Gloria Musu Scott et al case, who allegedly received hefty benefits, has led to county attorneys accusing them of stalling their work and making it very difficult. Some county attorneys have pointed out that they have not received prosecution funds since August 2023, when the trial began. It is rumored that Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, the former Solicitor General, received US$15,000 from the money.
Despite the claims and counter-claims, Cllr. Kanuah remains tight-lipped on the issue, while Comptroller Milton M. Gaye refuses to provide clarity on the checks he signed, citing his responsibility for financial matters at the Ministry. Cllr. Kanuah questioned the impact of him receiving money on the county attorneys’ ability to receive their prosecution fund and expressed frustration with the journalists writing about the issue.
County attorneys have expressed their frustration with their colleagues and the Ministry of Justice, questioning why so much money was allocated for just a single case when they have equally important cases to try. They emphasized the cost-intensive nature of prosecuting and the strain it places on their resources.
Cllr. Lafayette Gould, a prosecution lawyer, defended his receipt of the money, stating that he had worked for it and detailing the activities he was involved in throughout the trial. He emphasized that the money was given to cover the preparation and execution of the trial, denying any wrongdoing.
The case was originally intended to be heard outside Montserrado, which is thought to be the reason for the high amount allocated to it. Despite the explanations provided, the controversy over the distribution of the US$150,000 continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency within the Ministry of Justice and among prosecuting attorneys. The dissatisfaction among county attorneys and conflicting statements from various parties involved add to the complexity of the situation.
Read the original article on New Republic Liberia
