Monrovia-The Particular Grand Jury for Montserrado County has issued a multi-count indictment towards a number of people, together with former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District Quantity 16 Consultant Dixon W. Seboe, for his or her alleged roles within the December 2024 arson assault on the Capitol Constructing, seat of Liberia’s nationwide legislature.
By Willie Tokpah
The indictment, handed down through the Could Time period A.D. OF Courtroom by the Grand Jury follows a latest resolution by the Supreme Courtroom of Liberia to disclaim the Authorities’s movement for judicial assessment of a bond filed on behalf of Koffa and others.
The Excessive Courtroom’s refusal successfully upheld their momentary launch however cleared the best way for prosecution to proceed primarily based on newly consolidated proof.
In line with the indictment, possible trigger exists to cost the named people with 9 critical offences, together with Arson, Prison Try to Commit Homicide, Prison Mischief, Prison Conspiracy, Prison Facilitation, Prison Solicitation, Launch of Harmful Forces, Reckless Burning or Exploding and Recklessly Endangering One other Individual.
The indictment alleges that on December 17 to 18, 2024, a gaggle of people, allegedly with the help of high-ranking political figures together with Representatives Seboe, Koffa, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Deebie, willfully conspired to and executed an arson assault on the Capitol Constructing.
In line with the Grand Jury, the plot was finalised throughout a gathering close to the used automobile lot reverse the CONEX Gasoline Station on Jallah City Highway.
The next morning, round 5:00 a.m., the defendants allegedly procured and used gasoline to set ablaze the Joint Chambers, inflicting over US$3.7 million in injury, together with destruction {of electrical} wiring and legislative furnishings.
The indictment references a written confession by defendant Kivi Bah alias Kaba, addressed to co-defendant Seboe, wherein he reportedly detailed the planning and execution of the arson.
In line with the indictment, Eric Susay coordinated the gasoline supply and referenced the disarming of Police Sergeant Amara Bility, whose service weapon was allegedly stolen; whereas Amos Kofa and Thomas Etheridge, mentioned the usage of tear fuel and chlorine to disrupt legislative periods, a plan to make use of petrol bombs to focus on the LRJ Resort, the residence of Consultant James Kolleh, and automobiles belonging to majority bloc lawmakers.
The indictment additional famous that the defendants additionally allegedly incited a riot, throughout which harmful objects have been thrown at regulation enforcement officers.
Accordingly, property injury included a Toyota Prado SUV (Plate A6309), belonging to Deputy LAA Director F. Augustine Tamba, reportedly valued at US$20,000.
The indictment cites violations of a number of chapters of the Liberian Penal Regulation, together with, Chapter 15 – Offenses In opposition to Property 15.1, 15.2, 15.4, §15.5, Chapter 10 – Inchoate Offenses 10.1 – Prison Try, 10.2 – Conspiracy, 10.3 – Solicitation and Chapter 14 – Offenses In opposition to the Individual 14.23 – Reckless Endangerment.
The Grand Jury concludes that the defendants acted unlawfully and with none affirmative authorized defence, thereby breaching public belief and endangering nationwide safety.
With the indictment now public, the case is anticipated to maneuver ahead to trial.
Whereas a few of the defendants stay free on bonds, together with lawmakers, Koffa and Seboe, others are reportedly in custody or below energetic surveillance.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged to pursue the matter vigorously, citing the gravity of the offences and the alleged assault on Liberia’s democratic establishments.
No official response has but been issued by the indicted lawmakers.
Authorized analysts observe that if convicted, the costs, notably arson and tried homicide, might carry prolonged jail phrases and potential political penalties.
