MONROVIA, Liberia – Former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers charged in the Capitol Building arson case have secured a joint criminal appearance bond of US$440,000, paving the way for their release from the Monrovia Central Prison after three nights in detention.
The bond, signed and approved Monday morning by Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate I. Ben Barco, lists Koffa, Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (District 15, Montserrado), Rep. Dixon Wlawlee Seboe (District 16, Montserrado), and Rep. Jacob C. Debbie (District 3, Grand Gedeh) as defendants. The bond is backed by sureties Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa, both of Monrovia.
The lawmakers were indicted alongside others in connection to the December 18, 2024, fire that ravaged the Capitol, destroyed legislative infrastructure, and caused more than $8.6 million in damage. Prosecutors allege the fire was the result of a “premeditated and politically motivated” conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Legislature.
Signed at 11:05 a.m. on June 9, the bond obligates the defendants to appear at the Monrovia City Court on June 10 at 9:00 a.m., and to remain available to the court throughout legal proceedings.
The release process unfolded amid tight security and growing public interest. Former President George Manneh Weah made a surprise appearance at the Temple of Justice to show solidarity with his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) allies, drawing a crowd of supporters and media.
Co-Defendant Left Behind
Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District 5, Montserrado), who was detained alongside the others, is notably absent from the bond document. Sources at the court say her legal team is still finalizing bond arrangements. It remains unclear if she will be released before the scheduled court appearance.
A High-Stakes Case
The Liberia National Police, through its Criminal Investigation Division, claims the fire was initiated by insiders following a conspiracy that began in November 2024. Investigators say Capitol maintenance chief Thomas Etheridge gained unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the building, enabling surveillance tampering and subsequent arson planning.
Surveillance footage, phone logs, and interviews reportedly link the accused to both a failed December 10 arson attempt and a final planning session on December 17, allegedly held in the Jalatan community. Police claim Rep. Seboe distributed cash at that meeting.
On the morning of December 18, janitor James Muller is said to have granted the arsonists entry to the Capitol. Gasoline was allegedly spread across the third and fourth floors before the fire was set using matches and lighters.
Political Tensions Rise
The arrests have inflamed partisan tensions in Monrovia. Koffa, who was ousted as Speaker earlier this year by lawmakers aligned with the Unity Party-led administration, has called the charges “baseless and politically driven.” His supporters argue the investigation disproportionately targets opposition figures, ignoring actors within the current majority bloc.
Legal defense teams say they are prepared to contest the state’s evidence and may challenge the constitutionality of the investigation, which they claim is marred by “selective justice and political interference.”
Travel Restrictions Imposed
All four lawmakers released on bond remain under a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica, barring them from leaving the country without court approval. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any attempt by the defendants to flee Liberia during the trial.
Ongoing Probe
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for John Nynati, who police describe as a ringleader still at large. Additional suspects—including aides and staffers Stephen Brough, Eric Susie, Jerry “Tyrese” Pokan, and Patience Desmond—have also been charged.
Prosecutors say the case is ongoing and that more indictments may follow as digital forensic evidence continues to be analyzed.
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