The Grand Jury for Montserrado County has handed down a formal indictment against former Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, and more than a dozen co-defendants in connection with the deliberate arson attack on the Capitol Building, the seat of Liberia’s National Legislature.
The indictment, filed before Criminal Court “A”, outlines an extensive list of felonies, including arson, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal conspiracy, and release of destructive forces, among others.
A Coordinated Attack on the Heart of Government:
The indictment alleges that the defendants, acting with “purpose and premeditation,” set fire to the joint chambers of the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.
According to the evidence presented, the act was planned during the night of December 17, near a used car parking lot opposite the CONEX Gas Station on Jallah Town Road, Monrovia.
The planning and execution reportedly involved a network of individuals, with support and facilitation from high-ranking figures including Dixon W. Seboe, J. Fonati Koffa, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Deebie.
These men allegedly aided and abetted co-conspirators Kivi Bah alias “Kaba”, Jerry Pokah alias “Tyrese”, John Nyanti, Stephen M. Broh, Christian Kofa, Amos Kofa, Eric Sesay, and Thomas Isaac Etheridge alias “Tom”, among others.
Damning Letter and Audio Recordings:
One of the most damning pieces of evidence is a handwritten letter allegedly authored by co-defendant Kivi Bah, addressed to Dixon W. Seboe.
The letter details how the Capitol was burned and confirms that the decision to carry out the act was finalized during the December 17 meeting.
In addition, audio recordings submitted as evidence allegedly capture Eric Sesay discussing the assault on a police officer, Sgt. Amara Bility, whose service weapon was reportedly stolen and handed over to former EPS officers.
In another clip, Sesay is heard requesting funds to purchase gasoline and construct petrol bombs for use against officers and facilities linked to the majority bloc of the Legislature.
Orchestrated Violence and Planned Chaos:
Recordings and testimonies also indicate that Christian Kofa and others acquired gasoline in the early hours of December 18 before launching the attack.
The resulting fire caused extensive damage to the Capitol Building, with estimated losses totaling $3,788,500 USD. Electrical systems, furnishings, and legislative equipment were destroyed.
Further audio from December 17 allegedly reveals that Thomas Etheridge and Amos Kofa coordinated tactical deployments of men and discussed using firearms to repel any police intervention.
The two also allegedly conspired to employ tear gas and chlorine inside the chambers to forcibly expel lawmakers of the majority bloc, thereby disrupting legislative sessions.
Efforts to Conceal the Crime
Co-defendants Patience Bestman and Harrilyn Grace Johnson, reportedly linked to Koffa’s office chatroom, are accused of attempting to conceal critical digital evidence, specifically information stored on Thomas Etheridge’s mobile device.
Legal Charges and Context:
All defendants are charged under Chapter 10, Subsection 10.3 of the Liberian Penal Law. The indictment affirms that the accused have no affirmative legal defense, and the case proceeds without viable justification under criminal solicitation, as defined in Liberian law.
The charges, if proven in court, could result in lengthy prison terms given the gravity of the felonies, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment.
A Case That Will Shake the Nation:
This indictment represents one of the most serious political and criminal prosecutions in Liberia’s recent history.
The Capitol Building is not only a symbol of democracy but also a functioning nerve center of governance.
Its deliberate destruction, allegedly carried out with insider coordination, has sparked widespread outrage and a demand for justice.
The accused are expected to appear before Criminal Court “A” in the coming weeks as the government presses forward with its case. Legal analysts predict a high-profile trial that could reshape public trust in Liberia’s political institutions.
