– Koffa Reacts To LNP Charges Against Him

By Jerromie S. Walters

Monrovia – Former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa reacts to charges linking him to the December 2024 Capitol fire, dismissing the prosecution’s case as“a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies, and misstatements” and vowing to dismantle the allegations in court.

In his first public remarks since being released on a US$440,000 bond, Koffa seized on a statement by Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, who described the case as “highly political” during a press conference. “Did you hear the press conference of Gregory Coleman, the IG? He did say this is a highly political case. Did he not? So you don’t take the partisans’ word for it. You take the IG word for it,” Koffa notef, framing the prosecution as a partisan attack.

He promised a meticulous legal counteroffensive: “He decided to bring this case based on a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies and misstatements and in the next few weeks, as we go through the preliminary hearing, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy of what we have done.” The charges stem from a 34-page investigative report unveiled by Coleman on Saturday, alleging “overwhelming physical and testimonial evidence” tying Koffa and four other lawmakers to two incidents: November 10, 2024 vandalism of the House chamber and December 18, 2024 arson that gutted the Capitol’s Joint Chambers.

Central to the narrative is Thomas “Tom” Etheridge, Koffa’s former maintenance chief, who—along with three others—was indicted for arson, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators claim the attacks were orchestrated amid a failed internal coup to remove Koffa as Speaker. Koffa and his co-defendants—Reps. Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Jacob Debee II, and Priscilla Cooper —face charges under Chapter 10 of Liberia’s Penal Code, including: Criminal conspiracy, Arson (with damages exceeding $8.6 million) and Attempted murder (due to staff trapped in the fire)

Though released on bond, the court earlier imposed a travel ban via a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica authorizing security forces to bar their exit from Liberia. Their first hearing is set for tomorrow, June 10, 2025.
The lawmakers detentions flared rare solidarity among Liberia’s fractured opposition, with former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, ANC leader Alexander Cummings and ALP’s Telia Urey condemning the arrests. Four parties— ANC, CDC, MOVEE, and CMC—issued a joint statement demanding the lawmakers’ “immediate and unconditional release”, warning of a “dangerous politicization of justice.”

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