Published: June 7, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Chairman of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, was released from police custody late Saturday following a dramatic arrest in Central Monrovia that has since escalated tensions between the opposition and the ruling Unity Party.
Kowo, who was taken into custody on June 7, was arrested alongside several supporters on orders from Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations Nelson Freeman. Authorities accused him of leading a group of citizens attempting to storm the Monrovia Central Prison in a bid to free four CDC lawmakers currently detained on serious criminal charges.
Lawmakers Detained in Capitol Fire Case
The lawmakers — former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Representatives Dixon W. Seboe, Abu Bana Kamara and Jacob C. Seboe — are facing charges of arson, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder and other offenses tied to the Dec. 18, 2024, fire that gutted parts of the Capitol Building.
Freeman told reporters Saturday that police intelligence linked Kowo to an alleged plan to forcibly interfere with prison operations.
“We had credible information that they were planning to disrupt operations at the prison facility,” Freeman said.
Kowo: Arrest Politically Motivated
In an interview with The Liberian Investigator shortly after his release, Kowo denied the accusations and described his arrest as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
“I don’t understand. We were just trying to make our way there when they bundled me up,” he said. “The arrest of any citizen must be based on provable cause. None exists in this case.”
Kowo called the detained lawmakers “political prisoners” and accused the Boakai administration of using the justice system to silence dissent.
“We came in peace to show solidarity with our colleagues. The police response was excessive and unlawful,” he said. “We’re law-abiding citizens, and our rights to assemble and move freely should be respected.”
Responds to Internal Criticism, Denies Weak Leadership
Addressing speculation that his arrest may have been orchestrated to stifle internal discontent within the CDC, Kowo rejected the idea.
“Absolutely not. We are not weak,” he said. “We have a different style of leadership, and we are not afraid of the government.”
He insisted that the CDC remains a formidable force and would not be cowed by intimidation.
“The Unity Party government lacks the capacity to terrify the opposition,” he declared.
Warns of Threat to National Peace
Kowo warned that the Boakai-led administration is steering the country down a dangerous path, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace Liberia has maintained since the end of its civil war.
“Liberia endured 14 years of civil crisis. The expectation was that this government would consolidate peace,” he said. “Instead, their actions risk creating chaos.”
He urged President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung to uphold civil liberties and avoid triggering unrest.
“It’s not guns, not the batons, not the teargas—but the civility of the people—that keeps the peace,” he said. “The government is now crossing red lines.”
Denies Obstruction Allegations
Kowo also dismissed police claims that he attempted to obstruct justice.
“We did nothing to obstruct justice,” he said. “We have the right to move freely, and no one in our group acted violently.”
CDC Plans Emergency Meeting
The CDC chairman said the party’s National Executive Committee would convene an emergency session at its Congo Town headquarters in the coming days. He added that the party’s legal team is exploring options to secure the release of the detained lawmakers.
Calls for Nationwide Resistance
Kowo concluded with a call to action, urging Liberians to stand against what he termed “a creeping dictatorship.”
“You have to now stand up, because this government is not headed toward peace,” he said. “We must take our destiny into our own hands.”
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