-As Jailed Lawmakers Prepare to Face Trial
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia’s immediate former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has called for adherence to the rule of law following the imprisonment of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers. “It’s a process of rule of law and we are hoping that the rule of law will take its natural course,” she said. The former vice president spoke at the climax of her visit to the imprisoned lawmakers at the Monrovia Central Prison on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Madam Taylor, who’s also a trained lawyer, stressed the importance of allowing legal proceedings to unfold without interference. “Whatever the situation is, we will follow the rule of law. Tomorrow they will go to court.” When questioned on whether Koffa’s detention was justified, she declined to speculate, citing her legal background. “I’m a lawyer, and when cases are in court, I know better than to say what I believe. I know that the rule of law will take its course—that’s what we are waiting to see.”
At the same time, described Koffa’s imprisonment as unexpected and emotionally difficult, saying: “It’s very sad. Something I never expected. But again, we must respect the rule of law. He’s following through.” Her remarks come as Koffa and the three other lawmakers prepare for his court appearance tomorrow.
Former Speaker Koffa, the highest-profile defendant, was on Friday, June 6, 2025, charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and arson under Chapter 10, Section 10.4 of Liberia’s Revised Penal Code. His co-defendants – Representatives Dixon Seboe, Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County, and Abu Kamara – face charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal facilitation to commit arson.
The case has its roots in the early morning hours of December 18, 2024, when a fierce blaze erupted in the Capitol Building, causing extensive damage to the legislative chambers. The Liberia National Fire Service, assisted by other agencies, managed to contain the fire after several hours of intense effort.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai visited the scene that same day noting. “We are a poor country and people are trying to help us, and other people are bent on destroying this country,” Boakai stated. “We ask the Ministry of Justice and all of the security apparatus to investigate this matter. People who are caught, we will deal with them.”
By January 2025, Joint Security officials had concluded the fire was deliberately set. Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman announced forensic evidence pointed to arson, noting unusual burn patterns and the discovery of containers holding explosive substances at the scene. “We have identified people of interest,” Coleman stated at the time, hinting at the impending charges.
The prosecution’s case has drawn criticism from opposition figures and legal observers who question the timing and handling of the arrests. Critics note the lawmakers were invited to police headquarters at 9:00 AM on Friday but weren’t formally charged until 5:00 PM – after courts had closed for the weekend, ensuring they would remain detained until at least Monday.
Senator Augustine Chea of Sinoe County has been particularly vocal, accusing the government of “selective justice” and drawing parallels to repressive tactics from Liberia’s past. Similar concerns were echoed by Telia Urey, Vice Chair of the All Liberian Party, who condemned what she called “the arbitrary arrest and politically motivated targeting of opposition leaders.”
The Liberia National Police (LNP) investigation identified several individuals directly involved in the attacks, including Capitol Building employees and external accomplices. Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom), Chief of Maintenance in the office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa, was charged with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, attempted murder, criminal facilitation, solicitation, conspiracy, and the release of destructive forces.
Authorities allege Etheridge damaged the chambers on November 10, 2024, before setting fire to the building on December 18, 2024. Eric Susay, another suspect, participated in the December 17 riot and the subsequent arson attack. He was additionally charged with theft of a police firearm and aggravated assault after allegedly attacking an officer.
Steven Broh, a maintenance worker at the Capitol Building, was implicated in the December 18 arson, facing similar charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, and attempted murder. Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese), a resident of New Kru Town, was accused of planning and executing the attack, leading to charges mirroring those of his alleged co-conspirators.
