-In Capitol Arson Case, Sends Trial Back to Lower Court
By Vaye Lepolu & Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Supreme Court of Liberia, through Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., has rejected a petition for a writ of prohibition filed by former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and co-defendants in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case.
The decision effectively returns the matter to Criminal Court “A,” where the trial will resume after months of legal uncertainty. Defense attorneys filed the writ petition early this year, arguing that the mistrial declared by Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie was legally unjustified.
Judge Willie had disbanded the trial jury and declared a mistrial during earlier proceedings, prompting the defense to seek Supreme Court intervention.
The legal maneuver came after defense lawyers initially halted proceedings in late 2025, contending that prosecutors had rushed the trial without timely sharing primary evidence—a process legally known as discovery.
The case stems from a devastating fire that gutted the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building in the early hours of December 18, 2024. The blaze occurred amid escalating political tensions within the House of Representatives, sending shockwaves through the nation’s legislative branch.
An independent investigation by the Fire Rescue Alliance (FRA) conclusively ruled out electrical failure as the cause. Investigators discovered eight containers of ignitable liquid near the Speaker’s podium, providing compelling evidence that the fire was deliberately accelerated.
Damage and Indictments
Police and prosecution estimates place the structural damage to the legislature between $3.8 million and $8.6 million, representing a significant blow to the nation’s infrastructure and democratic institutions.
The state has indicted several prominent politicians alongside alleged operatives who reportedly executed the physical attack. Those indicted include: Former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa Rep. Dixon W. Seboe, Rep. Abu B. Kamara, and Rep. Jacob C. Debee.
Prosecutors allege that the lawmakers financed and facilitated the attack with the specific intent to destroy legislative records. Four individuals facing trial as direct actors include Thomas Etheridge, Eric Sasay, Kivi Bah, and Stephen Broh.
All defendants face a litany of serious charges, including arson, Conspiracy, attempted murder, Economic sabotage, and Criminal mischief.
With the Supreme Court’s denial of the writ petition, the case has been remanded to Criminal Court “A” for further proceedings.
