Monrovia, Temple of Justice -The Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court ‘A’ Roosevelt Z. Willie has officially assumed jurisdiction over the high-profile criminal case involving five lawmakers previously charged and transferred by the Monrovia City Court.
The case, which has garnered nationwide attention, involves serious criminal allegations including arson, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Reps. Fonati Koffa, Abu Kamara, Dixon Seeboe, and Jacob Deebee made their initial appearance before Judge Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ accompanied by their legal representatives and sureties.
Each lawmaker had submitted a bond with their respective spouses serving as sureties.
However, prosecuting attorneys promptly filed a motion challenging the legal sufficiency of the bonds, arguing that the sureties did not meet the statutory requirements under Liberian law.
In response to the prosecution’s challenge, the Court ruled to release the defendants into the custody of their legal counsel pending further examination of the bond sufficiency.
This judicial discretion was exercised by the Court to ensure the lawmakers’ presence at all future proceedings while maintaining compliance with procedural safeguards.
The transfer of the case from the Monrovia City Court came after Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco denied a motion to dismiss filed by the defendants, in which they sought to have the police charges quashed on procedural and evidentiary grounds.
Finding no merit in their motion, the City Court ordered the case forwarded to Criminal Court ‘A’ for pre-indictment proceedings.
Legal analysts note that the next procedural step will be the presentation of the case before the Grand Jury for Montserrado County for possible indictment, as mandated by Chapter 13 of the Criminal Procedure Law.
If the Grand Jury returns a true bill, the lawmakers will be formally indicted and required to stand trial.
The charges stem from a violent incident that allegedly occurred earlier this year, in which the lawmakers are accused of orchestrating and participating in acts that endangered lives and caused significant property damage.
Court watchers anticipate robust legal arguments from both the prosecution and defense as the case progresses through the pretrial and indictment phases.
The judiciary has reiterated its commitment to ensuring due process and the fair application of the law, regardless of the defendants’ political status.
Criminal Court ‘A’ is expected to entertain legal argument rule into the bond sufficiency, after which the Court will determine whether the defendants can remain free under current conditions or whether additional measures, such as increased bond or detention, are warranted.
The legal community and the public at large await further developments as the proceedings continue under the scrutiny of both national and international observers.
