Koffa, 3 Others Released On US$440,000 Bond
By Precious D. Freeman
Grand Kru Representative Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers accused in the Capitol Building arson case were released from Monrovia Central Prison after securing a joint criminal appearance bond of US$440,000.
The bond was approved Monday morning by Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco, clearing the way for the lawmakers’ release after three nights in detention.
The bond names Koffa, along with Representatives Abu Bana Kamara of District 15 in Montserrado; Dixon Seboe of District 16 in Montserrado and Jacob C. Debbie of District 3 in Grand Gedeh) as co-defendants.
The financial guarantee was provided by sureties Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa, both residents of Monrovia.
Their release comes amid intensifying public scrutiny of the case, which stems from a devastating December 18, 2024 fire outbreak at the Capitol Building which destroyed major portions of the legislative infrastructure and caused an estimated $8.6 million in damages.
Prosecutors allege the incident was the result of a “premeditated and politically motivated” conspiracy to destabilize the Legislature.
Under terms of the bond signed at 11:05 a.m., the four defendants must appear at the Monrovia City Court at 9:00 a.m. on June 10 and remain available throughout the duration of court proceedings.
All remain under a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica, preventing them from leaving Liberia without court permission.
The lawmakers’ release unfolded under heavy security at the Temple of Justice, drawing a crowd of supporters and journalists.
In a dramatic show of support, former President George Manneh Weah appeared at the court complex to stand with his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) allies, energizing supporters and adding a new political dimension to the unfolding legal drama.
Conspicuously absent from the bond document is Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District 5, Montserrado), who was detained alongside the other lawmakers.
Court officials say her legal team has not yet finalized bond arrangements. It remains uncertain whether she will be released before Tuesday’s scheduled court appearance.
According to police, the arson was carried out by individuals with inside access.
Capitol maintenance chief Thomas Etheridge allegedly bypassed security protocols in November 2024, granting unauthorized entry to sensitive areas of the building.
Surveillance footage, mobile phone data, and witness statements purportedly link the accused to both a failed arson attempt on December 10, 2024 and a final planning session held on December 17, 2024 in the Jalatan Community. Investigators claim Rep. Seboe distributed cash at that meeting.
On the morning of the fire, janitor James Muller reportedly allowed the perpetrators into the Capitol, where they allegedly doused areas of the third and fourth floors in gasoline before igniting the blaze.
The case has sparked renewed political friction in Monrovia, with opposition voices accusing the Unity Party-led government of weaponizing the Judiciary.
Koffa, who lost the Speakership earlier this year to a Unity Party-backed bloc, described the charges as “baseless and politically driven.”
“This is not justice it’s persecution,” said one CDC supporter outside the court. Legal teams representing the lawmakers say they are preparing to challenge both the factual basis and the constitutional legality of the investigation, citing what they call “selective justice and political interference.”
Prosecutors say they are still analysing digital evidence and anticipate further charges as the investigation progresses.
As the case moves forward, it promises to test Liberia’s legal system and deepen the country’s political divide, with both sides accusing the other of undermining the rule of law.
