Monrovia, Liberia – Former National Security Advisor, Jefferson S. Karmoh, has denied any wrongdoing in connection with charges linked to the designation of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) as “Unit 800” describing the indictment against him as a misinterpretation of official communication.
Taking the witness stand on Thursday as a defense witness, Karmoh told the court that the letter central to the case was wrongly characterized by investigators. According to him, the designation of a code to the FIA was a standard administrative and operational procedure within the national security framework, intended to facilitate secure communication.
Karmoh clarified that the National Joint Security is not a statutory body but rather an informal coordination mechanism among security institutions. emphasizing that no individual, including the President or members of the National Security Council, has the legal authority to formally admit any institution into what he described as an informal structure.
Addressing the issue of “Unit 800” Karmoh explained that codes are routinely assigned to security institutions and personnel to streamline communication within the national security network. He maintained that issuing such a code to the FIA fell within his responsibilities as National Security Advisor and did not imply formal integration into any statutory security body.
He further argued that investigators from the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) failed to properly analyze the content and context of the letter, noting that he was never directly questioned about it during the investigation. He said the findings in the investigative report as a manufactured narrative.
On the allegations of conspiracy involving Counselor Nyanti Tuan, Karmoh rejected claims that he was consulted in decisions to channel funds through the FIA. He stated that his first knowledge of the matter came through a copied communication and insisted that no evidence has been presented to prove any consultation between him and Tuan.
Karmoh also questioned the credibility of the investigation, pointing out what he described as inconsistencies and a lack of due diligence by investigators. He stressed that no proof of any agreement or communication linking him to the alleged conspiracy has been produced.
The former advisor Karmoh maintained that his actions were consistent with his official duties and that the charges against him stem from a misunderstanding of security procedures rather than any criminal intent. The defense has since rested its witness, and the case is expected to proceed to cross-examination.
Reported by: Mariama Jalloh
