Monrovia – Former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has launched a scathing assault on Inspector Normal of Police Gregory Coleman, accusing him of initiating a politically motivated investigation and prosecution towards him and different lawmakers linked to the current Capitol hearth incident.
By: Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected], and Victoria Wesseh, [email protected]
Talking shortly after his launch from police custody, Koffa dismissed the Liberia Nationwide Police’s case as a fabrication constructed on “innuendos, lies, and misstatements,” and vowed to reveal what he known as the reality behind the politically charged allegations.
“Did you hear the press convention of Gregory Coleman, the I.G.? He did say that this can be a extremely political case, did he not?” Koffa advised journalists. “So, you don’t take the partisan’s phrase for it, you’re taking the I.G.’s phrase for it. He determined to carry this case based mostly on a basket of proof of innuendos, lies, and misstatements.”
Koffa, who was arrested and charged in reference to the mysterious hearth that broken parts of the Capitol Constructing, maintained his innocence and insisted that the costs are a part of a broader political witch-hunt.
“Within the subsequent few weeks, as we undergo the preliminary listening to, we are going to deconstruct these lies and have the ability to put collectively a protection that’s worthy of what we’ve executed,” he stated.
Labeling the authorized proceedings as a “political battle,” Koffa framed his launch as a symbolic victory. “So long as we’re in a political battle, it’s a political win,” he declared defiantly.
Whereas Coleman has but to formally reply to Koffa’s allegations, he earlier defended the police’s actions in a Fb publish, asserting that the investigation was based mostly on regulation and never influenced by politics.
Opposition Leaders Rally Behind Koffa
Koffa’s claims come amid rising political tensions surrounding the Capitol hearth incident, which the authorities allege was intentionally orchestrated. His statements echo these made by prime opposition figures, together with former President George Weah, Various Nationwide Congress (ANC) chief Alexander B. Cummings, and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
The opposition leaders had known as on their supporters to assemble in solidarity with Koffa and his co-defendants—Abu B. Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), Dixon W. Seboe (District #16, Montserrado), and Jacob C. Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh)—on the Temple of Justice.
Supporters responded in giant numbers, remodeling the courthouse right into a political rally. Former President Weah, Cummings, Musa Bility, and Maxwell Kemayah have been all current. Notably, Weah and Cummings have been seen shaking fingers and briefly chatting whereas their aides stood by.
Probably the most emotional second got here when bond was secured, and the lawmakers have been launched from Monrovia Central Jail. Weah drove to the ability and embraced Koffa warmly earlier than elevating his proper hand and shouting the well-known anti-apartheid chant: “Amandla!” to which the gang roared again: “Awethu!”
Cummings Decries ‘Selective Justice’
Alexander B. Cummings condemned what he describes as “selective justice” within the ongoing authorized saga. He criticized the federal government’s resolution to detain the 4 lawmakers, whereas releasing Montserrado County District #5 Consultant Priscilla Cooper, calling it a humiliation to the state and a menace to the rule of regulation.
Cummings, a outstanding voice for political accountability for the reason that days of the CDC-led authorities, emphasised that justice should be utilized constantly and pretty—no matter political affiliation.
“Our actions over the previous couple of days aren’t nearly Fonati Koffa and others—that is about one thing larger: the rule of regulation, due course of, and truthful therapy for all residents,” he stated. “Everyone seems to be harmless till confirmed responsible—that’s a core precept of the Liberian Structure.”
He questioned the perceived disparity in how the lawmakers have been handled, noting that Rep. Cooper was launched to her authorized crew, whereas others have been publicly detained and paraded earlier than trial.
“If JFK is responsible, let the courts determine. However there’s no want for public embarrassment or what seems to be selective enforcement,” Cummings said. “We are able to’t help a system the place some are handled with discretion and others are punished earlier than due course of. Justice should be constant.”
Cummings urged Liberians to reject the normalization of politically motivated authorized practices beneath the excuse that “it occurs elsewhere.”
“If against the law was dedicated, let the regulation take its course. However let’s do it proper—with out double requirements, with out theatrics, and with full respect for each citizen’s rights,” he concluded.
Property Bond and Courtroom Proceedings
The 4 lawmakers have been launched on a US$440,000 property bond after the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom accredited the safety supplied by Madam Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa.
Based on court docket paperwork, the bond ensures that Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, J. Fonati Koffa, and Jacob Debee will seem earlier than the court docket to reply to fees together with arson, prison mischief, prison conspiracy, tried homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, and theft of property.
The bond was filed and accredited on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:05 a.m. by Stipendiary Justice of the Peace L. Ben Barco, who ordered the sheriff to proceed to the Monrovia Central Jail for the speedy and unconditional launch of the defendants.
Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, lead counsel for the defendants, advised reporters that the method of securing the property bond had delayed their launch. “Usually, it takes about three days for a property bond to be verified and accredited,” he defined. “That’s why we couldn’t safe their launch final Friday.”
The lawmakers are anticipated to look to court docket at this time Tuesday, for preliminary examination.
