Former House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has described the ongoing arson case at the Monrovia City Court as “a mockery of justice.”
The Grand Kru County District #2 Representative made the remarks shortly after the first day of the preliminary hearing in the ongoing trial.
Koffa asserted that the case brought against him and others is based on “lies, innuendos, and misstated facts.”
“This case is based on lies, innuendos, and misstated facts. We understand where this case is going, and it is a mockery of justice,” Koffa said. “From the witness’s testimony today, we know that we’re innocent. The only people who can associate my post to fire are those who are ignorant.”
Representative Koffa was referring to a social media post in which he used the term “Alamo”—a post that the state alleged inspired the Capitol Building arson attack.
For his part, Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob Debee dismissed the proceedings as baseless.
“It’s a waste of our time. You can’t bring a police officer who goes to the bathroom seven times, testifying lies,” Debee remarked, rejecting the multiple charges, including arson, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy, brought against him.
Also speaking out was Montserrado County District #15 Representatives, Abu Bana Kamara.
He described the charges as “baseless and entirely fabricated.” Kamara was accused by the prosecution’s first witness of transporting individuals allegedly involved in the attack in his official vehicle, an allegation he labeled implausible.
“Even if I were senseless, such a thing wouldn’t have happened,” Kamara asserted.
He further claimed the charges were politically motivated, alleging he was being targeted because of his affiliation with the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and his familial ties to former President George Weah.
Meanwhile, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Her lawyer, Cllr. George B. Kalando, told reporters that they are prepared to proceed directly to trial.
Government Introduces First Witness
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and its prosecuting attorneys, began the preliminary hearing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, by presenting its first witness: Chief Inspector Peter W. Johnson, the lead investigator in the Capitol Building fire incident.
While on the witness stand, Inspector Johnson made several allegations against the lawmakers, linking them directly to the crimes.
He claimed: Ex-Speaker Koffa allegedly used his office staff and finances to orchestrate the attack.
His social media post referencing the word “Alamo” was cited as motivational to the perpetrators.
Representative Dixon Seboe was described as the chief financier, allegedly providing funds and orchestrating the escape of two suspects from the country.
Representative Abu Bana Kamara was allegedly responsible for facilitating multiple planning meetings.
Representative Jacob Debee was accused of criminal conspiracy for attending planning meetings and failing to report them.
Cross-Examination and Court Proceedings
During cross-examination, the defense questioned Inspector Johnson on whether he had obtained a search and seizure warrant before accessing the defendants’ personal phones.
Johnson confirmed that the warrant had been secured through the office of Montserrado County Attorney, Cllr. Richard Scott.
When defense attorneys asked about the total number of individuals involved in the attack and who financed the operation, the prosecution objected. The court sustained the objections and dismissed the questions.
The hearing was adjourned and rescheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., in accordance with magisterial court procedures.
Understanding Preliminary Hearings
A preliminary hearing, also known as a probable cause hearing, is a court proceeding where a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists for a case to proceed to trial.
Prosecution’s Role: The state presents evidence and witnesses to show there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed a crime.
Defense’s Role: The defense can cross-examine witnesses and present their own evidence or witnesses.
Judge’s Decision: If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to trial. If not, charges may be dismissed or reduced.
Preliminary hearings are critical in ensuring that only cases supported by adequate evidence move forward in the justice system.
