-For Defamation
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson, IFormer Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has
filed a USD 4.5M lawsuit at the Civil Law Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, against the Bukonjdeh Group of Companies and its Chief Executive Officer, Elton Johns, for what he described as “malicious and defamatory publications” intended to destroy his character and reputation.
The case, filed on September 23, 2025, before the Resident Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, the former Speaker seeks not less than 4,000,000 USD in Special Damages, representing the loss of business relationships and economic benefits.
- $500,000 USD in General Damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
“That the defendants be ordered to pay compensatory and punitive damages in the amount of USD $4.5 million”
In his complaint, Koffa described himself as “a highly responsible and reputable citizen of the Republic of Liberia whose character and experiences over the years earned him a place as an elected Representative of Electoral District #2, Grand Kru County, and subsequently as Speaker of the 55th National Legislature of the House of Representatives, Republic of Liberia; a lawyer by profession and a member of the Supreme Court Bar.”
The Grand Kru County Lawmaker alleges that the defendants published statements portraying him as corrupt, criminal, dishonest, and unfit to hold public office. He contends that these statements were false, malicious, and intended to tarnish his reputation both as a lawyer and as a public official.
The plaintiff further claims that the publications were designed to expose him to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule, and to undermine his professional and political standing. He adds that the actions of the defendants caused him severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and irreparable harm to his reputation and character.
Koffa also asserts that the defendants’ publications have damaged his relationship with colleagues and the general public, resulting in financial and personal losses. He emphasizes that the defamatory statements interfered with his ability to perform his professional duties and obstructed his capacity to engage in public service.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiff seeks not only compensatory and punitive damages but also a public retraction of the statements, an apology from the defendants, and an injunction preventing further publication of defamatory content about him.
He prays that all costs of these proceedings will be ruled against the Defendants, and that he be granted any and all further relief as the Honourable Court may deem just, legal, and equitable.
The plaintiff cited Bakleh v. Greene, 14 LLR 204 (1960), asserting that the defendants’ comments fall under defamation per se, meaning they are inherently harmful without needing further proof of damage. Koffa claims the remarks ridiculed him publicly and led to a significant loss of reputation and professional esteem, both locally and internationally.
