Former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and three sitting lawmakers have been indicted in the December 18, 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, in a sweeping 63-count indictment that legal observers say is built more on associations than direct evidence.
Unsealed on June 16 by the Montserrado County Special Grand Jury, the indictment named 16 individuals, including Koffa, Reps. Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debbie, on charges ranging from arson and attempted murder to criminal conspiracy and the unlawful release of destructive forces.
Yet, despite the gravity of the accusations and the estimated $3.8 million in damage, the state’s case against Koffa notably lacks concrete ties to the actual planning or execution of the attack.
Sparse Links, Vague Allegations
Count Three of the indictment cites an audio recording in which a suspect suggested heading to Koffa’s residence following the blaze.
That residence is located in Congo Town, adjacent to the home of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
However, the indictment offers no recordings or transcripts in which Koffa himself speaks or is otherwise implicated directly.
The only other mention involves two of his staff being part of a group chat where others discussed deleting evidence.
Defense lawyers have consistently argued that there is no proof to show Koffa’s direct participation or were aware of those messages in the whatsapp chartroom and the audio recordings.
Unlike the co-defendants, some of whom are captured on recordings detailing gasoline purchases, use of force against law enforcement, and the preparation of petrol bombs, Koffa is not accused of any physical or verbal action related to the attack.
Legal Doubts and Political Tensions
According to the defense counsel, the case against Koffa and his colleagues is not a case built on action, rather proximity-that is proximity to people and conversation.
They argued that the criminal procedure law of Liberia states that, conspiracy requires more than sympathy or silence, noting that there must be active agreement or contribution.
“This is not a case built on action, but proximity, proximity to people and conversations,” said one of counsels for defendants. “In Liberian law, conspiracy requires more than sympathy or silence. There must be active agreement or contribution.”
The indictment arrives amid high political tension, following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling blocking a Unity Party-backed attempt to oust Koffa from the speakership.
Some analysts see the charges as a retaliatory move cloaked in legal robes.
“It’s either politically motivated or incredibly premature,” said a former Ministry of Justice official who requested anonymity. “You don’t accuse a man of burning the legislature unless you can prove it.”
Details from the Court
According to court documents, the actual attack was allegedly carried out by co-defendants Christian Kofa, Amos Kofa, Thomas Etheridge, and others, who reportedly sourced gasoline, launched the fire, and used chemical agents like tear gas to disrupt legislative activities.
Recordings capture plans to target majority lawmakers, vandalize public property, and even assault officers.
The documents cite a letter reportedly authored by co-defendant Kivi Bah, in which he details the plan and implicates others.
Notably, the letter allegedly states that participants met on December 17 near a car lot on Jallah Town Road and finalized the arson plan for the following morning.
Sgt. Amara Bility of the Liberia National Police was severely injured during the riots, and his service pistol remains unaccounted for.
The Bigger Picture
While the indictment paints a picture of a coordinated and violent attempt to destabilize Liberia’s legislature, the prosecution may struggle to prove Koffa’s and his colleagues’ direct role beyond circumstantial evidence.
Sources close to Koffa’s legal team suggest a motion to dismiss or sever his case is forthcoming, based on the absence of direct involvement or intent. The House Speaker has yet to issue a public response.
Meanwhile, the broader case will proceed during the August Term of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, with Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie presiding.
Whether this case ends with convictions or collapses under the weight of political undertones and evidentiary gaps remains to be seen.
