-Trial Proceedings to Begin
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, June 13, 2025 – The Monrovia City Court has ordered the transfer of the Capitol Building arson case involving former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and others to Criminal Court A, marking the next phase in the legal proceedings.
The City Court Stapentary Magistrate – Ben Barco
ruled Friday, June 13, 2025, that the case would proceed to a full trial, directing the court clerk to forward all legal documents to Criminal Court A for further action. Notably, former Speaker Koffa was absent during the pronouncement of the ruling. No official reason was provided for his absence.
Former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa was charged and forwarded to court along with Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee II in connection with the Capitol building fire which damaged the joint chambers and other parts. They were charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) under Chapter 10 of the Revised Penal Code on Charges including arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, attempted murder, criminal facilitation, and conspiracy.
The charges are tied to the December 18, 2025 blaze that occurred during the major legislative crisis.
The lawmakers have since vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a “mockery of justice.” They have maintained their innocence and insisted that the accusations were politically motivated.
Inspector-General Gregory O. Coleman claimed “overwhelming physical and testimonial evidence” links the lawmakers to two attacks: a 10 November 2024 vandalism that damaged the House chamber and an 18 December conflagration that gutted the Joint Chambers. For the last two days, the City Court entertained arguments from the prosecution and defense lawyers to determine the validity of the charges leveled against them.
