MONROVIA – Moments after their release from the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) having spent three days in detention (one night at the Liberia National Police Headquarters & two nights at the MCP), the former Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Cllr, J. Fonati Koffa has told journalists that in the next few weeks he and his colleagues, charged in connection to the burning of the Capitol Building in November 2024, will deconstruct what he termed as “Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s innuendos, lies and misstatements” brought against them politically.
Speaking to journalists at the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town, where the released lawmakers had gone to meet their partisans and supporters along with their political leader – former President George Weah, Koffa in response to a question on whether he shared the same notion of their supporters and partisans that their case is politically-motivated, he responded with a question asking, “Did you listen to Liberia National Police Inspector General (IG) Gregory Coleman when he addressed the press following our charges that the case was highly political, didn’t he? So, you don’t take the partisans’ word for it but the Police IG’s words. He decided to bring this case based on a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies and misstatements.”
Commenting further, Cllr. Koffa disclosed that he and his fellow accused lawmakers’ legal team in the next few weeks will prove their charges were based on lies. “And so, in the next few weeks as we go through the preliminary hearings, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy to prove our innocence,” Koffa stressed.
On how he can describe their stay at the Monrovia Central Prison, the former Speaker said it is a place for human beings unfortunately that is the best the state can offer for Liberian citizens, is unfortunate but they are no better than him.
Quizzed on whether securing their US$440,000 bail-bond was a political win for them, the constitutional lawyer, swamped by thousands of supporters and partisans of the CDC, said “Well, as long as we are in a political battle it is a political win.”
Koffa and Fellow Lawmakers Released on USS440K Bail Bond
Early Monday, June 9, the former House Speaker and three other lawmakers charged in the Capitol Building arson secured a joint criminal appearance bond of US$440,000, paving the way for their release from the Monrovia Central Prison after three nights in detention.
The bond, signed and approved Monday morning, June 9, 2025, by Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate I. Ben Barco, lists Koffa, Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (District 15, Montserrado), Rep. Dixon Seboe (District 16, Montserrado), and Rep. Jacob C. Debbie (District 3, Grand Gedeh) as defendants. The bond is backed by sureties Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa, both of Monrovia.
There are reports that the court had rejected former President George Weah standing as surety for Koffa and others. The former President had to gone to the court to show solidarity with the accused men and not the lady, Rep. Prescilla Abram Cooper, who is not from his party but the ruling party.
The lawmakers were indicted alongside others in connection to the December 18, 2024, fire that ravaged the Capitol, destroyed legislative infrastructure, and caused more than US$8.6 million in damage. Prosecutors allege the fire was the result of a “premeditated and politically motivated” conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Legislature.
Signed at 11:05 a.m. on June 9, the bond obligates the defendants to appear at the Monrovia City Court on June 10 at 9:00 a.m., and to remain available to the court throughout legal proceedings.
The release process unfolded amid tight security and growing public interest. Former President George Manneh Weah made a surprise appearance at the Temple of Justice to show solidarity with his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) allies, drawing a crowd of supporters and media.
However, Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District 5, Montserrado), who was charged alongside the others, is notably absent from the bond document. Sources at the court said her legal team was scheduled to finalize her bond arrangements. It remains unclear if she will be released before the scheduled court appearance.
It can be recalled the Liberia National Police, through its Criminal Investigation Division, claims the fire was initiated by insiders following a conspiracy that began in November 2024. Investigators say Capitol maintenance chief Thomas Etheridge gained unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the building, enabling surveillance tampering and subsequent arson planning.
Surveillance footage, phone logs, and interviews reportedly link the accused to both a failed December 10 arson attempt and a final planning session on December 17, allegedly held in the Jallah Town community. Police claim Rep. Seboe distributed cash at that meeting.
On the morning of December 18, Janitor James Muller is said to have granted the arsonists entry to the Capitol. Gasoline was allegedly spread across the third and fourth floors before the fire was set using matches and lighters.
The arrests of the former House Speaker and four sitting lawmakers had earlier reddened partisan tensions in Monrovia. Koffa, who was ousted as Speaker earlier this year by lawmakers aligned with the Unity Party-led Administration, has called the charges “baseless and politically-driven.” His supporters argue the investigation disproportionately targets opposition figures, ignoring actors within the current majority bloc.
Legal defense teams say they are prepared to contest the state’s evidence and may challenge the constitutionality of the investigation, which they claim is marred by “selective justice and political interference.”
Meanwhile, all four lawmakers released on bond remain under a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica, barring them from leaving the country without court approval. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any attempt by the defendants to flee Liberia during the trial.
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for John Nyanti, who police describe as a ringleader still at large. Additional suspects, including aides and staffers Stephen Brough, Eric Susay, Jerry “Tyrese” Pokah, and Patience Desmond have also been charged.
Prosecutors say the case is ongoing and that more indictments may follow as digital forensic evidence continues to be analyzed.
Koffa, Others to Appear in Court Tomorrow
To begin preliminary hearings, former House Speaker Koffa and three lawmakers, including Representatives Seboe, Kamara, and Debee II, will appear in court Tuesday, June 10, 2025, following their release from the Monrovia Central Prison today, Monday.
The four were remanded on serious charges including arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, attempted murder, criminal facilitation, and conspiracy—all stemming from the December 2024 Capitol Building fire amid a major legislative crisis. Their release came prior to the finalization of a criminal appearance bond at the Monrovia City Court.
The release followed a closed-door meeting between high-ranking opposition figures and the City Court’s Stipendiary Magistrate Ben Barco. Among those present were former President George Weah, Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill, former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, and former Chief of Protocol at the Executive Mansion, Ms Nora Finda Bondo.
Though details of the meeting were not publicly disclosed, sources suggest the discussions centered on filing a property bond, as no insurance company had agreed to underwrite the bond for the CDC-aligned lawmakers. Despite the postponement of legal arguments surrounding the bond, the court granted temporary release.
Under the Criminal Procedure Law of Liberia—specifically Chapter 13, Section 13.5—a person accused of a bailable offense must be granted bail before trial, except in capital offenses where the evidence is compelling. The law further mandates the filing of a criminal appearance bond as a prerequisite for pretrial release.
Meanwhile, credible judicial sources have confirmed that an indictment has already been drawn against Cllr. Koffa and the three lawmakers.
According to Liberian law, the indictment process begins with a police investigation followed by a review from the County Attorney. For serious crimes, the case is presented to a Grand Jury, which reviews the evidence in secrecy. If the Grand Jury finds probable cause, it returns a “True Bill,” officially indicting the accused. This process is designed to prevent arbitrary prosecution and ensure that only credible cases go to trial.
Meanwhile, political pundits, commentators and experts as well as civil society organizations, religious group, political parties have urged the government that the trial be free of biases, fair and apolitical, because Liberia having just secured a Non-permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council, where social justice, peace, security, human rights and dignity are propagated, the world will be watching to see if it can handle its first litmus test since securing the UNSC non-permanent seat as it begin to prosecute five sitting lawmakers allegedly linked to the burning of the Capitol Building in Monrovia on December 18, 2024. Liberians and the world will keenly be watching.
