MONROVIA – Former Home Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and several other lawmakers are going through mounting authorized scrutiny over the December 2024 fireplace that severely broken components of the Capitol Constructing. FrontPage Africa has discovered that no less than two members of the Home of Representatives have now been formally charged, and others stay underneath lively investigation.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh | [email protected]
Cllr. Koffa and 6 different lawmakers appeared Friday on the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) Headquarters on Capitol Hill. This marks their second look in reference to the incident, which occurred throughout a bitter dispute over Home management.
The lawmakers summoned embrace:
Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, District #2, Grand Kru County
Frank Saah Foko, District #9, Montserrado County
Abu B. Kamara, District #15, Montserrado County
Dixon Seboe, District #16, Montserrado County
Priscilla Cooper, District #5, Montserrado County
Marvin Cole, District #3, Bong County
Jacob Debee, District #3, Grand Gedeh County
FrontPage Africa has confirmed that Consultant Jacob Debee has been formally charged with legal conspiracy to commit arson. In an extra improvement, Consultant Abu B. Kamara has now additionally been charged with legal facilitation and conspiracy, allegedly primarily based on a dialog held on December 10, 2024—simply days earlier than the Capitol fireplace incident.
A court-approved writ of search and seizure stays in impact, authorizing investigators to look the lawmakers’ residences and study their cellphones for digital proof associated to the alleged conspiracy.
Authorized consultants observe that whereas the investigation seems to be gaining momentum, constitutional safeguards should stay central to the method. Consistent with the rule of regulation and the precept of equal remedy, the lawmakers—who’re public officers with fastened residences and no file of evasion—ought to be eligible for launch on private recognizance as they await due course of.
Safety was visibly intensified on the police headquarters on Thursday. Supporters and political observers gathered as officers blocked off the world to handle crowds. Former Speaker Koffa, in a symbolic gesture, emerged from his SUV holding a toothbrush—an obvious indication of his readiness for any potential detention.
The Capitol fireplace occurred within the midst of a politically delicate management disaster within the Home of Representatives. A number of people allegedly linked to the then-Minority Bloc have been detained following the incident. Legislation enforcement authorities have but to problem a complete assertion, however sources recommend further expenses could also be introduced as early as Monday.
As the method unfolds, constitutional analysts and civil society teams proceed to emphasise that every one individuals underneath investigation are presumed harmless till confirmed responsible in a court docket of regulation.
