MONROVIA – Former Home Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three different lawmakers charged in reference to the December 2024 Capitol Constructing fireplace have filed a movement with Legal Courtroom “A” looking for to compel state prosecutors to provide all proof used to indict them.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Of their Movement for Discovery, filed via their attorneys at Worldwide Legislation Group, the accused – Koffa, Representatives Dixon W. Seboe, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie – argue that greater than 42 days have handed since their arrest and indictment with out prosecutors disclosing the alleged proof.
The lawmakers, together with a number of co-defendants, face a number of prices together with arson, prison mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, intent to commit homicide, unlawful possession of firearm, and recklessly endangering one other individual. They had been arrested on Could 16, 2025, following a writ from the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom, and later launched on property valuation bonds after a preliminary listening to established possible trigger.
Nonetheless, their movement contends that the prosecution’s continued withholding of proof violates each authorized process and their constitutional proper to organize a protection. They preserve their innocence, denying ever assembly with different defendants to plan the crimes alleged.
The submitting additionally requests a speedy trial consistent with Article 21(f) of the 1986 Structure, which ensures well timed proceedings for accused individuals.
The Capitol fireplace case, which has gripped nationwide consideration, stays one of the politically delicate prosecutions lately, with sitting lawmakers among the many accused. Legal Courtroom “A” Resident Decide Roosevelt Z. Willie is anticipated to rule on the movement within the coming days.
In June, former Speaker Koffa and 4 sitting lawmakers appeared earlier than the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom in reference to the December 2024 fireplace on the Capitol Constructing. Koffa, together with Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Prescilla Cooper, and Jacob Debee II, confronted prices together with arson, prison mischief, reckless endangerment, tried homicide, prison facilitation, and conspiracy. They’ve denied the costs and termed them as politically motivated. 4 of them—excluding Cooper—had been briefly detained on the Monrovia Central Jail earlier than being launched on bail.
The hearth, which severely broken a part of the Capitol Constructing, occurred amid heightened tensions between ruling and opposition lawmakers. Seven legislators had been initially questioned, however two had been launched with out cost.
