The Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom decides in the present day whether or not costs introduced towards 5 members of the Home of Representatives, together with former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, have merit below the legislation for prosecution in court docket.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia; June 13, 2025 – The extremely watched Capitol Constructing arson case involving former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and 4 sitting lawmakers have reached a pivotal stage, with the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom anticipated to rule in the present day whether or not to dismiss the costs or refer the matter to Felony Courtroom ‘A’ for a full trial.
The case stems from a December 18, 2024, blaze that severely broken a part of the Capitol Constructing throughout a significant legislative disaster. The accused lawmakers embrace Koffa and Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee II. All face a number of costs, together with arson, prison mischief, reckless endangerment, tried homicide, prison facilitation, and conspiracy, filed by the Liberia Nationwide Police.
Consultant Priscilla Cooper waived her proper to a preliminary listening to on Tuesday and requested a separate trial. Authorized sources speculate that she might function a state witness.
On Thursday, June 12, the authorized groups concluded a tense preliminary listening to earlier than Stipendiary Justice of the Peace Ben Barco. Koffa’s protection workforce argued for dismissal, citing a scarcity of direct proof and claiming the prosecution relied closely on social media content material and third-party sources.
The prosecution, led by Solicitor Basic Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah, County Lawyer Richard Scott, and Cllr. Bobby Livingston, countered that the proof, starting from audio recordings to digital communications and witness testimonies, is enough to determine possible trigger.
Justice of the Peace Barco denied the protection’s movement to quash the proof, stating:
“When the proof has been testified to, there isn’t a method the court docket can revert its resolution.”
The protection workforce, led by former Affiliate Justice Walkins Wright and Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, argued that not one of the materials proof was obtained straight from the lawmakers or their gadgets. They pointed to a now-deleted social media put up as a flawed foundation, sustaining that “Proof for conviction have to be direct, not third-party.”
A turning level within the listening to got here throughout the testimony of Inspector Johnson, who alleged that Koffa financed the arson plot.
He cited a now-deleted social media put up that learn “ALARMO,” which he claimed was a coded sign linked to the incident.
Johnson additionally launched audio proof allegedly containing Koffa’s voice discussing plans to set hearth to the Capitol. Whereas Koffa acknowledged the voice is likely to be his, he denied any involvement in a prison conspiracy.
Different lawmakers questioned the authenticity of the audio, calling it a deepfake or AI-generated fabrication.
Johnson additional alleged that Rep. Seboe acted because the operational chief, whereas Rep. Kamara’s autos had been used within the execution of the plot. Rep. Debee was responsible of prison facilitation for failing to report the plan, in line with Johnson.
The Metropolis Courtroom is now poised to rule on whether or not the costs towards the lawmakers have sufficient advantage to maneuver ahead. Authorized analysts say in the present day’s resolution might have vital implications for public confidence within the Liberian justice system, particularly given the high-profile nature of the accused and the controversial use of digital and circumstantial proof. Enhancing by Jonathan Browne
