Monrovia, Liberia – The Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, L. Ben Barco, has accepted and approved a property surety bond filed by former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers in connection with a high-profile criminal case on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Defendants J. Fonati Koffa, Abu Bana Kamara, Jacob Debee, and Dixon Seboe, all current lawmakers, were released on a US$440,000.00 appearance bond pending trial.
The bond was secured by sureties Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa, who offered real property as security.
The defendants face an array of serious charges including arson, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, attempted murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, distribution of prohibited substances, and theft of property.
The case was filed by the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice.
Due to the political stature of the defendants and the gravity of the alleged crimes, the case has garnered nationwide attention and is shaping up to be a significant test of Liberia’s criminal justice system.
According to the bond terms, the defendants must remain under the jurisdiction of the Court and appear whenever summoned. If convicted, they are required to submit to the custody of the sheriff to serve any sentence imposed by law.
The bond was formally processed at 11:05 AM on June 9 by court clerk Daniel Y. McGill, with the court registration time stamped at 8:49 AM. Magistrate Barco’s approval of the bond marked a key development in the ongoing proceedings.
The Monrovia City Court has scheduled Tuesday, June 10, 2025, for the preliminary hearing, set to begin at 9:00 AM.
Legal observers note that while Liberian law permits the filing of property bonds without immediate hearings, prosecutors are expected to file a motion challenging the bond’s validity.
Under Liberian law, the opposing party has the right to challenge a bond, and the Court may either uphold or dismiss the motion based on the sufficiency of evidence presented.
All eyes now turn to Stipendiary Magistrate Barco, who will preside over preliminary arguments between prosecution and defense
The outcome could determine whether the bond stands or is revoked ahead of trial.
As the case unfolds, it promises to be a landmark legal battle; one that will weigh heavily on the principles of due process, public trust, and judicial integrity in Liberia.
