By Precious D. Freeman
Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie of Criminal Court ‘A’ has formally assumed jurisdiction over a criminal case involving five members of the House of Representatives.
The case, which was transferred from the Monrovia City Court, centers on criminal charges including arson, attempted murder, conspiracy, mischief, and aggravated assault.
On Monday, June 16, 2025, defendants Fonati Koffa, Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, and Jacob Deebee made their first appearance before Judge Willie. Each was accompanied by legal counsel and sureties, with their spouses notably serving as guarantors on their bonds.
However, the prosecution promptly contested the validity of the bonds, filing a motion arguing that the sureties failed to satisfy the legal standards set forth under Liberian law.
In response, the court exercised its discretion by releasing the lawmakers into the custody of their attorneys pending a full hearing on the sufficiency of the bonds.
This move, according to court officials, was aimed at ensuring the lawmakers’ presence in all upcoming legal proceedings while maintaining adherence to due process protocols.
The case was transferred to Criminal Court ‘A’ after Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco denied a defense motion to dismiss.
The defense had sought to quash the charges on procedural and evidentiary grounds. Finding no merit in the argument, Magistrate Barco referred the matter to the higher court for pre-indictment proceedings.
Legal observers have emphasized that the next major procedural milestone will be a presentation before the Grand Jury for Montserrado County.
Pursuant to Chapter 13 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, the Grand Jury will determine whether to return a true bill of indictment. Should that occur, the accused lawmakers will face formal trial.
The charges arise from a violent event earlier this year, during which the lawmakers allegedly participated in acts of violence that endangered lives and caused substantial property destruction.
The nature of the allegations, combined with the political status of the accused, has placed the case under both domestic and international scrutiny.
Court officials have reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, noting that the legal process will proceed without regard to political affiliation or public influence.
Criminal Court ‘A’ is expected to hear arguments and issue a ruling on the bond sufficiency challenge in the coming days.
Depending on that decision, the lawmakers could face stricter pretrial conditions, including possible increases in bond amounts or pretrial detention.
As the proceedings move forward, legal experts and the public alike are closely watching for how the Judiciary navigates what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential legal battles involving sitting lawmakers in recent Liberian history.
