The Monrovia City Court has issued a New Exeat Republica against former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and four other lawmakers in connection with the December 2024 fire that damaged the Capitol Building.
The Stipendiary Magistrate Ben Barco issued the order following a petition from state prosecutors seeking a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica—a legal mechanism barring defendants from leaving the country while facing criminal prosecution.
The affected lawmakers include Reps. Fonati Koffa, Abu Bana Kamara, Dixon Wlawlee Seboe, Jacob C. Debee, and Priscilla A. Cooper.
All five Lawmakers face multiple charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation, stemming from the police investigation into the Capitol blaze.
According to judicial sources, Magistrate Barco has directed all national security agencies to arrest the lawmakers “leaving or attempting to depart” through any of the country’s exit points. The move comes just one day after Koffa and three of the accused lawmakers were remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial, deepening the legal and political fallout from the high-profile case.
Definition of Ne Exeat Republica
A Ne Exeat Republica is a legal writ issued by a court to prevent an individual from leaving the jurisdiction of the court or the state.
The term “Ne Exeat Republica” is Latin for “let him not leave the republic.”
This writ is typically used to ensure that a defendant remains within the court’s jurisdiction, especially when there are concerns that they might flee to avoid legal obligations or proceedings.
This action suggests that the court has concerns about their potential departure amid ongoing legal matters, possibly related to corruption or other serious allegations.
Such writs are typically employed to prevent individuals from evading legal responsibilities or to ensure their availability for legal proceedings.
