Audio By Carbonatix
Liberia's President George Weah has pardoned ex-defence minister, Brownie Samukai, who was sentenced to a prison term by the Supreme Court for corruption.
He never entered jail, and the pardon means that he may be able to take his seat as a senator and works towards repaying the government.
Samukai and two others who worked under him were convicted of failing to account for more than $1m deducted routinely from soldiers' salaries for savings while he was minister under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Throughout his trial Samukai maintained the money had been spent on other official matters on the orders of the former president.
A senior minister in Mr Weah's office told a press conference that the government will pay the money Samukai owes the former soldiers, and he will then pay back the government.
Samukai was elected senator for Lofa County in the far north in 2020, but didn't take his seat
The court had ruled that he should remain in jail until he paid back the money.
Latest Stories
-
Zelensky signals progress in talks with US on peace plan
1 hour -
Policemen assaulted in Jirapa; AK-47 rifles stolen
3 hours -
Bibiani tragedy: Toddler killed by moving Toyota Pickup
3 hours -
Don’t scrap OSP – Anti-corruption CSO demands review
4 hours -
GIS, EU vow closer security cooperation to boost northern border control
5 hours -
IGP leads major show of force with new armoured fleet
6 hours -
Two female prison officers killed in ghastly crash
7 hours -
Abolish or Reform? Abu Jinapor counsels sober reflection on debate over future of Special Prosecutor’s Office
9 hours -
2026 World Cup: Can Ghana navigate England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L?
9 hours -
NAIMOS task force arrests 9 Chinese illegal miners, destroys equipment at Dadieso
9 hours -
NAIMOS advances into Atiwa Forest, uncovers child labour, river diversion and heavy machinery
9 hours -
NAIMOS Task Force storms Fanteakwa South, dismantles galamsey operations
10 hours -
The Kissi Agyebeng Removal Bid: A Look at the Numbers
10 hours -
DVLA to roll out digitised accident reports, new number plates and 24-hour services
11 hours -
DVLA Workers’ Union opens 2025 Annual Residential Delegates Congress with call for excellence, equity and solidarity
11 hours