The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and its prosecuting Attorneys, has produced their first witness in the ongoing preliminary hearings of the Capitol Building arson case.
The preliminary hearings in the Capitol Building fire case commenced on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Monrovia City Court at the grounds of the Temple of Justice.
A preliminary hearing, also known as a preliminary trial or probable cause hearing, is a court proceeding where the judge determines whether there is enough evidence for a case to proceed to trial.
State prosecutors began the trial with the introduction of their first witness, Chief Inspector Peter W. Johnson, the chief investigator in the Capitol Building fire incident.
Inspector Johnson, while on the witness stand, testified, revealing shocking allegations against the four lawmakers, individuals’ role played in the arson attack on the national symbol.
During his testimony, the prosecutor first witness linked the lawmakers to the crimes levied against them.
In his testimonial, he linked ex-speaker J. Fonati Koffa to using his office staffs and financing the entire process of the attack.
The state witness further described the former speaker Koffa social media post wherein he mentioned the word, “Alamo” as a motivation for the perpetrators to carry on the act.
As for Representative Dixon Seboe, he is allegedly considered as the chief financier of the plot; that is, he allegedly disbursed funds and used his lieutenants to transport two of the suspects out of the country.
The Montserrado District #15 lawmaker Rep. Abu Bana Karama was linked to facilitating the all of the various meetings that were held before the crimes were committed.
According to the State first witness, Rep. Jacob Debee was linked to the crimes because he sat in the gathering where the crimes were plotted and refused to inform law enforcement officers, as such, he was charged with criminal conspiracy.
Cross-Examination
While on the cross-examination, the defense counsel asked the Inspector Johnson as to whether he received a search and seize warrant from the count before searching the defendants’ personal phones to extract information, and he answered in the affirmative, noting that they got the writ through the County Attorney for Montserrado County office Cllr. Richard Scott.
The defense counsel also asked the witness on the cross to state the total numbers of those who participated in the act but that question was objected by the prosecution and sub-stained by Judge L. Ben Barco.
The defense counsel wanted to know as well who and how people financed the burning of the Capitol Building but that question was dismissed by the court.
The matter was rescheduled to Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9 a.m. because of the magisterial court rules.
Comments from Defendants
Briefly after the first of the preliminary hearings, former Speaker Koffa spoke with judicial reporters, emplacing that the case is based on lies, innuendos, and misstated facts.
The Grand Kru electoral District #2 Representative indicated that they have identified seems and knows exactly where the case will go.
“This case is based on lies, innuendos, and misstated facts. We understand where this case is going, and it is mockery of justice,”Koffa added.
Rep. Koffa intimated that from the State first witness testimony on Tuesday, he knows that he’s innocent of the crimes levied against him.
“From the witness’ testimony today, we know that we’re innocent. The only people who can associate my post to fire are those who are ignorance,” he said.
Also speaking was Montserrado #15 lawmaker Rep. Abu Bana Kamara, who described the charges against him as “baseless, and entirely fabricated.
Rep. Kamara, who was accused by the state witness on the stand that he carried individuals linked to the arson attack on the Capitol Building in his official vehicle dismissed the allegation as implausible, noting that the police testimony is a myth.
“Even if I’m senseless, such a thing wouldn’t have happened,” he asserted.
He further alleged that he is targeted and charged because he is a member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and a son of former President George Weah.
For his part, the Grand Gedeh District #3 Representative Jacob Debee said it is a waste of time for the police to have brought him to court.
“It was just a waste of our time. It is something I think we need to talk about this. You can’t bring a police officer who goes to the bathroom seven times testifying lies,” Rep. Debee asserted.
Meanwhile, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper waived her rights to preliminary trial.
Her lawyer, Cllr. George B. Kalando informed judicial reporters that they are prepared to proceed with trial.
About Preliminary Hearings
A preliminary hearing, also known as a preliminary trial or probable cause hearing, is a court proceeding where the judge determines whether there is enough evidence for a case to proceed to trial.
Prosecution presents evidence:
During the preliminary hearing, prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to establish probable cause that a crime was committed and the defendant (s) is likely responsible.
Defense Cross-examines witnesses:
During the proceedings, the defense has the opportunity to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. In the same vein, the defense can also present evidence or witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Judge’s decision:
The judge reviews the evidence and decides whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime.
If the judge finds probable cause:
- The case is bound over or proceeds for trial.
- Charges are affirmed: the charges are affirmed, and the defendant (s) will face trial.
If the judge does not find probable cause:
- Charges are dismissed: The charges may be dismissed or reduced.
- Case is dropped: The case may be dropped, and the defendant (s) may be released.
The preliminary hearing is an important step in the criminal justice process, as it helps to ensure that only cases with sufficient evidence proceed to trial.
