MONROVIA – Police officers were seen stationed around the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters this morning as the country braces for a tense confrontation surrounding the ongoing arson investigation into the December 2024 Capitol Building fire. Seven lawmakers from the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), including former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, are scheduled to appear for questioning today, June 6, 2025.
In anticipation of their appearance, the Liberia National Police has placed barricades around its headquarters to control movement and ensure security in the area. The deployment follows growing concerns over possible unrest, with CDC supporters reportedly planning to stage protests. Riot police officers were captured in a leaked Facebook video conducting tactical training exercises Thursday night in preparation for the encounter.
Adding to the tension, former Montserrado County District 8 Representative Acarous Moses Gray claimed in a Facebook post Thursday evening that an unsealed indictment exists for Speaker Koffa and others. Gray further alleged that President Joseph Boakai has directed Inspector General Gregory Coleman to arrest the lawmakers and that joint security forces are under strict orders to support the effort.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Liberia National Police has confirmed that it currently has in its custody two individuals, Barcus Karpeh and Christian Koffa, in connection with the arson case at the Capitol Building. Their arrests come as the investigation reaches what police officials describe as its final phase.
Despite the political uproar, the House of Representatives has confirmed that its Judiciary Committee and legal team will accompany the lawmakers to ensure due process is observed during the questioning. A press release issued Thursday, June 5, 2025, by the House Press Bureau indicated that the LNP formally requested the meeting, describing it as the concluding step in the ongoing investigation.
The lawmakers identified for questioning are Representatives J. Fonati Koffa, Frank Saah Foko, Abu B. Kamara, Dixon W. Seboe, Priscilla A. Cooper, J. Marvin Cole, and Jacob C. Debee, all affiliated with the CDC.
As the situation unfolds, the House expressed confidence that the matter will be handled professionally and expects more developments after today’s meeting at 10:00 AM.
