MONROVIA – The arson case involving former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers is returning to the Monrovia City Court for a bond hearing, following a ruling by Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Willie. Judge Willie, on Thursday, declined jurisdiction over the matter, stating that bond justifications must first be addressed at the magistrate level before reaching circuit court.
“This court cannot and will not hear a matter that is not properly before it,” Judge Willie stated during his ruling. He instructed City Court Magistrate Ben Barco to conduct a hearing on the prosecution’s objection to the defense’s US$440,000 property bond, part of a larger US$1.8 million criminal appearance bond secured earlier this month.
The bond, signed on Monday, June 9, 2025, names Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mous Koffa as sureties and property holders. It requires Koffa and co-defendants Montserrado County Representatives Thomas Fallah Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Dixon W. Debee to appear as required to answer to multiple criminal charges including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, distribution of force, and theft of property. If convicted, they are to surrender themselves to serve their sentences.
The case, which has attracted intense public interest, stems from the December 18, 2024 fire that gutted key sections of the Capitol Building, including the joint chambers, legislative archives, and electoral infrastructure, causing an estimated US$8.6 million in damages.
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman has described the incident as a “deliberate and treasonous act” intended to sabotage Liberia’s democratic institutions. Investigators allege that the plot originated in November 2024 when Thomas Etheridge, then chief of maintenance under Speaker Koffa, gained unauthorized access to restricted areas. Surveillance equipment was reportedly disabled and offices vandalized before a failed arson attempt on December 10. Authorities claim the final planning session took place on December 17 in the Jalatan community, where Rep. Seboe allegedly disbursed cash to collaborators.
All four lawmakers remain under a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica, barring them from leaving Liberia. The court has instructed all security agencies to enforce the restriction amid ongoing legal proceedings.
The bond hearing returns to Magistrate Barco’s jurisdiction, with Judge Willie directing the clerk of court to forward all bond-related documents for review. A report on the validity of the bond is due no later than June 25, 2025.
Meanwhile, the case has become highly politicized. The bond signing was conducted under heavy security and attended by a crowd of supporters and political allies, including former President George Manneh Weah, marking one of his rare public appearances since leaving office. Several former officials of the CDC-led administration were also present in court.
Defense lawyers have denounced the prosecution’s handling of the investigation as biased and politically motivated, alleging that no member of the ruling Unity Party bloc has been interrogated or indicted. They argue the case represents selective justice and have vowed to vigorously contest all charges against their clients.
