By Sara Camara
Monrovia, Liberia – Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, along with four sitting lawmakers, were formally charged and detained by the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Friday evening in connection to the recent arson attack on the Capitol Building. The move has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the opposition denouncing what they call political persecution and call for solidarity protests.
Inspector General (IG) Gregory Coleman announced the charges at a late-night press conference at LNP Headquarters. He stated that seven lawmakers were initially invited for questioning, with two being released. Those detained include Grand Kru County District #2 Representative Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon Seboe, Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Kamara, Representative Jacob Debee II, and Representative Priscilla Cooper. Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko and Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole were released.
According to IG Coleman, evidence including witness testimonies and phone records points to a coordinated and deliberate act aimed at undermining Liberia’s democracy. He specifically implicated Koffa, Seboe, Kamara, and Debee, alleging that Koffa used his aide to coordinate the attack, citing instructions “from the chief.”
Koffa faces charges including arson, criminal mischief, criminal facilitation, and conspiracy. “No one is above the law,” Coleman asserted, emphasizing that accountability would be prioritized.
The arrest and detention have drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups. The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), along with the WE THE PEOPLE Movement and the July 17 Protest Coalition, have condemned what they describe as a pattern of secret arrests, arbitrary detentions, and political persecution orchestrated by the National Security Agency (NSA) under President Joseph Boakai’s administration. These groups claim the actions violate both Liberian law and international human rights norms.
On Saturday, the four remaining lawmakers – Koffa, Seboe, Kamara, and Debee – were transferred to the Monrovia Central Prison. They face a litany of charges, including arson, criminal mischief, criminal facilitation, reckless endangerment, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy, all stemming from the December 2024 Capitol Building fire.
During their court appearance, no pleas were entered. The prosecution requested continued detention pending further investigation, while defense attorneys are reportedly preparing motions for bail and legal challenges. The court’s decision to remand the lawmakers has ignited a heated public debate, with some lauding it as a step towards accountability, while others question its political motivations and potential impact on judicial independence.
The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has responded with strong condemnation. The party has called an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee and grassroots leadership to address the situation and rally support for the detained lawmakers. The CDC is also urging its members and allied opposition parties to assemble at the Monrovia City Court on Monday in a show of solidarity.
Following the lawmakers’ incarceration, Jarga Kowo, CDC Chairman, led a group of supporters to the Monrovia Central Prison in protest. Kowo was subsequently arrested for allegedly obstructing justice and was briefly detained before being released. Video footage circulating on social media shows Kowo being forcibly detained by police officers.
The case is expected to continue to unfold in the coming days, potentially deepening the political divide within Liberia and raising concerns about the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions.
