MONROVIA — Four lawmakers, including former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, have been remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison following their initial court appearance on charges related to the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building. The charges include arson, criminal facilitation, conspiracy, and attempted murder.
The detained legislators are Koffa; Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County District #16; Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh County District #3; and Abu Kamara of Montserrado County District #15. They were taken into custody after proceedings at the Monrovia City Court.
Rep. Priscilla Cooper of Montserrado County District #5, who faces similar charges, was not among those detained. Reports indicate she was released into the custody of her lawyer, although the Liberia National Police have not confirmed this.
Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, legal counsel for the lawmakers, stated that no bail bonds had been filed as of Saturday, meaning the detained legislators will remain in custody until at least Monday.
The charges stem from a fire that severely damaged the Capitol Building on Dec. 18, 2024, causing an estimated $8 million in damages. Authorities allege that Koffa coordinated the attack through his official aide, identified only as Thomas, who reportedly acted on instructions “from the chief.”
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “No one is above the law. Accountability must take precedence in Liberia’s legal system.”
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