-Defendants in Capitol Building Arson Case Authorized to Seek Medical Care Overseas While Remaining Subject to Court Jurisdiction
MONROVIA, Liberia – Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has granted temporary travel permission to former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu B. Kamara, allowing both lawmakers to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The ruling follows separate applications filed by their legal teams seeking the temporary lifting of travel restrictions to enable the two defendants to undergo medical examinations and treatment outside Liberia.
In approving the requests, the Court cited the defendants’ compliance with judicial proceedings, particularly former Speaker Koffa’s consistent appearance before the court and adherence to all directives issued during the pendency of the case.
According to a directive issued by Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie and communicated through Clerk of Court Hector M. Dolo, Koffa has been authorized to travel from June 15 to July 18, 2026. Representative Kamara was granted similar permission under the same conditions.
The Court stressed, however, that both defendants remain fully subject to its jurisdiction and must return to Liberia to attend any future proceedings as required.
As part of the conditions attached to the travel authorization, the two lawmakers have been instructed to submit relevant medical records and documentation upon their return for review by the Court.
Capitol Building Arson Case
The travel approval comes against the backdrop of an ongoing criminal case involving four lawmakers accused in connection with the December 18, 2024 fire incident at the Capitol Building.
Former Speaker Koffa and Representatives Abu B. Kamara, Jacob C. Debee, and Dixon W. Seboe were arrested by the Liberia National Police in June 2025 and charged with multiple criminal offenses.
The defendants were initially detained at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach) before securing their release through a joint criminal appearance bond valued at US$440,000 at the Monrovia City Court.
Following their arrest, a Montserrado County Grand Jury indicted the lawmakers on several serious charges, including arson, attempted murder, criminal mischief, and theft of property.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants were connected to circumstances surrounding the fire that caused extensive damage to portions of Liberia’s Capitol Building.
Mistrial Declared
When the matter was called for trial on November 17, 2025, all defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
However, proceedings were later disrupted after the prosecution presented its first witness. Subsequent legal developments resulted in the dismissal of the jury, prompting a major setback in the trial.
On January 2, 2026, Judge Willie declared a mistrial, citing what he described as “manifest necessity” arising from unforeseen circumstances that made it impossible for the proceedings to continue.
The judge clarified that the declaration of a mistrial did not amount to an acquittal and did not prevent the government from retrying the defendants.
Defense lawyers objected to the ruling and subsequently pursued additional legal remedies, arguing that the mistrial and uncertainty surrounding a new trial date warranted reconsideration of restrictions imposed on their clients.
Venue Change Request
In a related development, state prosecutors filed a motion on February 26, 2026, seeking a change of venue for the case.
The application, submitted pursuant to Section 5.7 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, requests that the matter be transferred outside Montserrado County due to concerns about pretrial publicity and the possibility of undue influence affecting the fairness of the proceedings.
Prosecutors also alleged that certain defendants engaged with the media while the case was pending before the court, potentially influencing public opinion regarding the matter.
Supreme Court Intervention
Meanwhile, the defense has petitioned the Supreme Court, raising several constitutional questions, including issues relating to due process and the admissibility of digital evidence.
As a result, the Chamber Justice of the Supreme Court ordered a stay on all proceedings before Criminal Court “A” pending a full review and determination by the country’s highest court.
The stay order has effectively paused further action in the case until the Supreme Court rules on the legal issues raised by the defense.
With the proceedings currently suspended, the latest ruling allows former Speaker Koffa and Representative Kamara to seek medical treatment abroad while awaiting the next phase of what remains one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal cases.
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