By G. Watson Richards, Judicial Reporter
The arson trial involving several high-profile Liberian political figures, J. Fonati Koffa, Jacob C. Debee, Dixon W. Seeboe, and Abu B. Kamara, took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, as the government, represented by the Ministry of Justice, presented its second witness at the Monrovia City Court.
Officer Raphael A. Wilson, the lead investigator at the Liberia National Police’s Crime Services Department, delivered a striking testimony alleging a meticulously planned conspiracy to set fire to the Joint Chamber of the Capitol Building in December 2024.
Officer Wilson testified that the incident was far from a spontaneous act, it was, in his words, “a coordinated and deliberate effort” involving government insiders, political operatives, and paid agitators.
According to Wilson, unusual activity was first observed on November 10, 2024, in the vicinity of William R. Tolbert Hall inside the Capitol Building.
A critical piece of evidence came on December 9, 2024, in the form of an audio recording reportedly capturing a conversation between Reps. Kamara, Debee, and Koffa inside a vehicle marked “HOR 15.”
In the recording, Rep. Kamara allegedly refers to a “Plan B,” believed to be a contingency plan to disrupt legislative activities.
The prosecution stated the audio was sourced from a social media video and later confirmed in court by both Kamara and Koffa, who acknowledged parts of it as authentic.
December 17–18 Protests and Alleged Arson
Wilson further testified that a protest held on December 17, 2024, allegedly organized by Vandelack Patrick, descended into chaos.
He claimed that defendant Seeboe, via intermediaries, had recruited individuals from New Kru Town to incite disorder.
In the early hours of December 18, at approximately 1:00 AM, the alleged arson was carried out.
Wilson named defendants Etherege, Nyantee, Koffa, and Broh as those who executed the plan using gasoline obtained from Buchanan and Carey Streets. Etherege reportedly remained behind to film the fire as proof of their success.
Escape Plot and Use of False Identities
The testimony also detailed an elaborate plan to help key suspects flee the country.
According to Officer Wilson, Seeboe allegedly arranged funding and logistics for John Nyantee and Amos Koffa to escape Liberia using false identities and forged Laissez-Passers through the Loguatuo Border.
Audio recordings were played in court, purportedly capturing conversations between Seeboe and a man identified as Patrick Ali, who was facilitating the escape.
Despite defense objections regarding the authenticity and chain of custody, the court admitted the recordings as evidence.
Legal Challenges and Defense Objections
The trial has been marked by repeated legal objections from the both defense and prosecution who argued that some questions posed to witnesses were vague and that certain testimonies were misrepresented.
The defense counsel also contested the admissibility of the prosecution’s evidence.
However, most objections were overruled, with the court determining that the materials had been properly authenticated.
Charges and National Implications
The defendants are facing several charges, including, criminal conspiracy, Arson, Assault on law enforcement, obstruction of governance, and aiding and abetting fugitives.
Given the high profiles of the accused and the severity of the charges, the case has garnered significant national attention, raising concerns about political stability, national security, and the integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions.
Proceedings Continue
The trial is set to resume this Thursday, with closing arguments expected in the preliminary hearing.
The defense has recently expanded its legal team to include attorneys from the Gongloe & Associates Law Firm and has vowed to vigorously challenge the prosecution’s case and protect the legal rights of the accused.
