MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police has summoned seven current and former lawmakers, including ex-Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, to appear for questioning in connection to the mysterious fire that engulfed the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024. The lawmakers have been declared “persons of interest” in an ongoing criminal investigation into the arson attack that struck the nation’s legislative seat amid deepening political tension.
According to a release from the House Press Bureau on Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Liberia National Police formally requested the meeting, which is scheduled for Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at LNP Headquarters. The lawmakers summoned include Representatives J. Fonati Koffa, Frank Saah Foko, Abu B. Kamara, Dixon W. Seboe, Priscilla A. Cooper, J. Marvin Cole, and Jacob C. Debee.
The LNP’s communication, read during Thursday’s regular session by Chief Clerk Mildred Siryon, quotes Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman as saying the upcoming meeting is expected to mark the final phase of the police investigation. The fire, which caused considerable damage to parts of the Capitol, occurred shortly after the controversial removal of Speaker Koffa, raising suspicions of foul play.
To ensure due process, the House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee, along with its legal team, is expected to escort the identified lawmakers to the meeting. The House confirmed that legal experts will be on hand to provide guidance and protect the rights of the lawmakers during questioning.
“The House of Representatives remains confident that the matter will be handled professionally,” the statement from the House Press Bureau noted, adding that further developments are anticipated following Friday’s session with police investigators.
Meanwhile, political temperatures have surged following a provocative social media post by Jefferson T. Koijee, the National Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Monrovia City Mayor. In his Thursday night Facebook post, Koijee accused the Unity Party-led government of orchestrating a politically driven arrest of former Speaker Koffa.
“We have received credible intelligence that the murderous Boakai-Koung regime is planning the arrest of Hon. Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa tomorrow at 10AM!” Koijee warned. “Let it be known: ANY attempt to arrest the Speaker will be met with STIFF and UNCOMPROMISING RESISTANCE! The people will not sit idle while this tyrannical regime weaponizes state power against its opponents. Touch one, touch all!”
As the nation awaits Friday’s crucial meeting, the confrontation between law enforcement and opposition figures has cast a heavy cloud over the political climate. Authorities have not indicated whether charges will follow, but the outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for Liberia’s fragile democracy.
