Monrovia-Within the high-stakes Capitol Constructing Arson case ongoing on the Monrovia Metropolis Courtroom, former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and his co-defendants await their destiny at this time whether or not the Decide will grant or deny protection attorneys’ movement for the dismissal.
The Decide reserved ruling yesterday after Protection Attorneys requested the exclusion of the social media proof submitted by the Prosecution.
Representatives Koffa, Abu Kamara, Jacob Debee, Dixon Seboeand Priscilia Cooper are on trial in connection to the Capitol Constructing Arson to which they’re linked.
On day two of the case, attorneys representing Consultant Koffa and others filed a movement to exclude the social media proof submitted by the prosecution.
The movement to exclude the social media proof was nevertheless denied by the Decide, opting to make a dedication at this time.
What occurs at this time, in line with authorized practitioners, units the idea for the admissibility or inadmissibility of recordings and textual content messages offered by the prosecution within the case.
Prosecution attorneys quoted Felony Process Legislation part 25.3b of their protection of using the social media proof within the case.
Each authorized groups concluded their arguments within the case that’s rooted within the December 18, 2025 blaze that broken parts of the Capitol Constructing.
The case has since drawn nationwide consideration because of the stature of the accused and the questionable power of the prosecution’s proof.
Koffa’s protection workforce requested the courtroom to dismiss the chargesfor lack of benefit, relying nearly totally on what it labeled “open supply” supplies from social media platforms.
Nevertheless, the presiding decide denied the movement, opting as an alternative to order last judgment for Friday, when a ruling is predicted.
At present’s choice, in line with authorized consultants, is pivotal as to the dedication whether or not to throw out the fees altogether or ahead the case to Felony Courtroom ‘A’ for full trial proceedings.
Recall that prosecutors conceded in open courtroom that their case hinges on proof drawn from unspecified social media platforms, failing to call explicit posts or platforms that immediately implicated the accused.
The Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) final week introduced costs in opposition to the 5 suspects (all of whom are lawmakers) for the alleged roles within the circumstances resulting in the fireplace incident which left the Joint Chambers and components adjoining completely ruined.
LNP mentioned additional investigations revealed compelling proof
linking the involved lawmakers to the orchestration and financing of the assault.
The police mentioned investigators discovered credible hyperlinks to sabotage efforts relationship again to November 2024 by Jonathan Fonati Koffa(former Speaker of the Home of Representatives), and charged beneath the Revised Penal Code of Liberia, and Felony Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Part 10.4).
Additionally, the LNP charged that Abu Kamara & Jacob C. Debee participated in planning conferences and facilitated logistical assist, and charged beneath the Revised Penal Code of Liberia with Arson (Chapter 15, Part 15.1), Felony Mischief (Chapter 15, Part 15.5), recklessly endangering one other Particular person (Chapter 14, Part 14.23), prison try and Commit
Homicide (Chapter 10, Part 10.1), prison Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section10.2), prison Solicitation (Chapter 10, Part 10.3) and prison Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Part 10.4).
In the meantime, the police mentioned Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom) worker of the Capitol Constructing, Chief of Upkeep, Workplace of Consultant Jonathan Fonati Koffa concerned in damaging the chambers on November 10, 2024, and setting hearth on December 18, 2024.
He’s being charged beneath the Revised Penal Code of Liberia with Arson (Chapter 15, Part 15.1), prison Mischief (Chapter 15, Part 15.5), recklessly Endangering one other Particular person (Chapter 14, Part 14.23), Felony Try to Commit Homicide (Chapter 10, Part 10.1), Felony Facilitation (Chapter 10, Part 10.2)
• Felony Solicitation (Chapter 10, Part 10.3), Felony Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Part 10.4), launch of Damaging Forces (Chapter 15, Part 15.4), amongst different costs.
