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Former Speaker Fonati Koffa says charges brought against him by the state are not strong enough to proceed with prosecution in the Capitol fire case.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia; June 12, 2025 – Former Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa has expressed deep disappointment in the prosecution’s case during the second day of preliminary hearings at the Monrovia City Court in December 8, 2924, arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Speaking to journalists shortly after Wednesday’s proceedings, Cllr. Koffa criticized what he called a weak and inconsistent body of evidence presented by the state.
“The prosecution tried to avoid the fact that the police were in charge of the building at all times”, he argues; adding “If arson did occur, then by that logic, the police would have to be seen as co-conspirators, which they obviously aren’t, so the case is flawed from the start.”
He questions the relevance of some of the evidence provided by the state. “The witness talked about plastic cups and other materials found outside the Capitol premises. That makes no sense. Then there’s a hodgepodge of recordings that don’t directly link us to the fire.
Referring to an alleged recording in which his voice was heard, while at President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s residence, the Grand Kru County District#2 Representative, who is on trial along with four of his colleagues further argues, “To suggest that’s evidence I was spying? That’s absurd. I was truly disappointed today. The only improvement is that they didn’t take as many bathroom breaks, but the evidence is still just as weak.”
The court reconvened Day Two of the preliminary hearing on Wednesday with four of the five accused lawmakers present. Representative Priscilla Cooper of Montserrado County District #5 waived her right to a preliminary examination and is now expected to head directly to trial at Criminal Court ‘A’.
Cllr. Koffa, instead of sitting with the other defendants, actively joined his legal team during cross-examination. The defense focused on dismantling the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness, Inspector Peter Johnson of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The purpose of the preliminary examination is to determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial.
The five lawmakers, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, and Representatives Dixon Seboe, Jacob Debee, Abu Kamara, and Priscilla Cooper, are facing charges filed by the LNP over their alleged roles in the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Earlier, Tuesday’s hearing opened under tight security. The prosecution, led by Solicitor General Cllr. Augustine C. Fayiah, along with County Attorney Richard Scott and Cllr. Bobby Livingston had argued that the preliminary evidence is strong enough to move forward with a full criminal trial. The defense is being spearheaded by top legal figures, including former Associate Justice Walkins Wright and Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi.
Inspector Johnson’s testimony was both detailed and controversial. He alleged that Koffa was the key financier of the operation, pointing to a deleted social media post that read “ALARMO”, which, he claimed, was a coded signal linked to the arson plot.
Johnson also introduced audio evidence purportedly capturing Koffa’s voice discussing plans to set fire to part of the Capitol. Koffa acknowledges the voice may have been his but denies any involvement in a conspiracy. Other lawmakers dismissed the audio as deepfake or artificially generated content.
Johnson further alleges that Rep. Dixon Seboe was the operational mastermind who helped others flee the scene, while charging Rep. Jacob Debee of criminal facilitation by his failure to report the alleged plan.
Rep. Abu Kamara’s vehicles were used in executing the operation, according to Officer Johnson.
Johnson’s session on Wednesday was marked by frequent interruptions for bathroom breaks, sparking frustration from defense lawyers and their clients. One legal source described the day as a “waste of time,” reflecting rising tensions in the courtroom.
Outside, the drama continued, as Koffa exited the courthouse and entered his vehicle.
Hearing continues today, Thursday, June 12. The case could have serious ramifications for Liberia’s political stability, rule of law, and public confidence in democratic institutions. Editing by Jonathan Browne
