MONROVIA – In a significant ruling that could have far-reaching implications, the Monrovia City Court Friday, June 13, determined that there is sufficient evidence to advance charges against former House Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa and three associates. The decision, delivered by Magistrate Ben Barco, allows the case to proceed to Criminal Court A for a full trial.
During a preliminary hearing, Magistrate Barco concluded that the prosecution had established a prima facie case—indicating that the evidence presented is credible enough to warrant further examination in a higher court. “Hence, the standard in establishing a prima facie case is not proof behond reasonable doubt but a determination as to the existence of a probable cause tha, a reasonable ground to suspect that a person has committed a crime,” Barco explained to the courtroom audience.
Koffa, along with co-defendants Dixon Seboe, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie, faces serious allegations linked to a conspiracy involving the purchase of explosives and gasoline—materials allegedly intended for use in an arson attack on the Capitol Building’s Joint Chamber that occurred on December 18, 2024. The incident ignited political tensions and raised concerns regarding safety and security in Liberia’s legislative space.
Magistrate Barco’s ruling has fueled widespread discussions regarding political accountability and the use of violence in governance. Public reaction has been mixed, with some calling for justice and others warning of the implications for political stability.
As the case transitions to the next judicial tier, it is set to attract significant attention from both the media and the public, highlighting the complex relationship between politics, law, and public safety in Liberia.
The full trial at Criminal Court A, where Magistrate Barco has now transferred the matter, will provide a platform for both the prosecution and the defense to present their cases in detail, as the nation watches closely for developments in this high-profile legal battle.
See attached Magistrate Barco’s ruling on the case
