South Beach ‘Flooded In Tears’ -As Kofa, 3 Others Charged In Plot Behind Capitol Fire

By Precious D. Freeman

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and multiple sitting lawmakers have been formally charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and sent to the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach in connection with a devastating fire that destroyed major sections of the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.

The group is facing serious charges related to a fire that damaged part of the Capitol Building in December 2024.
The lawmakers charged include Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Prescilla Cooper, and Jacob Debee II.

The charges, announced Friday, include arson, criminal facilitation, conspiracy, and attempted murder stemming from what law enforcers described as a “coordinated and politically motivated” effort to sabotage Liberia’s Legislature.

“This was not just an attack on a building; it was an assault on the state itself,” declared Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman during a press briefing. “It was a deliberate and treasonous act by individuals who sought to disrupt the core of Liberia’s democratic governance for political advantage.”

Rep. Prescilla Cooper appeared emotional during the court hearing and was not taken into custody with the others. It is unclear if she was released on bail, as no pleas were made and the court has not yet decided on bail for any of the accused.

The Liberia National Police say the lawmakers helped plan and fund the fire, which happened during a tense power struggle in the House.
The fire destroyed one wing of the Capitol and led to an investigation involving seven lawmakers. Two were later released, but five are now facing charges and remain in custody.

Our reporter who followed the proceedings said a large crowd, believed to be supporters of Former Speaker Koffa, gathered outside the court and at the South Beach Prison weeping crying he was escorted into the prison.

Meanwhile, there were clashes between police and opposition supporters near the Lynch and UN Drive intersection. Police fired teargas to control the situation.

In a related development the political climate in Liberia took a tense turn as the Chairman of the opposition party, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Attorney Janga Kowo, was arrested after reportedly refusing police orders. He was later released late Saturday. The police say they will allow peaceful protests, but will act if protests turn violent.

His detention and subsequent release have sparked widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and raised fears of heightened political unrest.

Kowo was taken into custody on June 7 along with several CDC supporters after police accused them of attempting to breach the Monrovia Central Prison.

According to Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations, Nelson Freeman, the group was allegedly trying to free four detained CDC lawmakers, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who are facing serious criminal charges linked to a 2024 arson attack.

“We won’t allow anyone to disturb the peace of this country,” said LNP Commissioner Nelson Freeman. “The law must be enforced.”

In a touching scene, Rep. Abu Kamara’s wife was seen carrying personal items such as a mattress, fan, and toiletries to the prison for her husband.

Also, the wife of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, along with relatives of other imprisoned lawmakers, was seen at the Monrovia Central Prison delivering food and essential supplies to their detained loved ones.

The group of family members arrived with a range of items, including bottled water, pillowcases, standing fans, among other personal and comfort items.
The visit was described as emotional, with relatives expressing concern over the well-being of their family members.

Legal experts and civil society groups have raised concerns about how the arrests and detentions are being handled.
According to Liberian law, once someone is formally charged, only the court can decide whether they should be held or released.

However, the police have kept the lawmakers in custody without bail on Friday, a move some say is unconstitutional.
“This is not how our justice system is supposed to work,” said one legal expert. “They have not been convicted. They are still innocent until proven guilty.”

Several civil society organizations released a joint statement warning that the law must be applied fairly and not based on politics.

While police say they have witness statements and more evidence is expected, critics argue that even serious accusations do not justify ignoring legal rights.
“The Constitution does not take a break just because someone is accused of a crime,” said a legal advocate.

The court is expected to continue hearings in the coming days. Meanwhile, the case continues to draw national attention, sparking debates about justice, politics, and Liberia’s future.

It can be recalled that on December 18 2024 the Capitol was gutted by fire that destroyed major sections of the building. Authorities say the plot originated on November 8, 2024, when the chief of maintenance under then-Speaker Koffa, Thomas Ivinsick Etheridge allegedly seized keys to the Chief Clerk’s Office without permission.
Two days later, the joint chambers were vandalized: computers smashed, surveillance disabled, and wiring severed.

Although maintenance staff initially blamed an electrical issue, police quickly ruled out accidental causes.
On December 10, two men later identified as Kabah and John Nynati, associates of Etheridge — were captured on surveillance entering the Capitol after hours with plastic containers. Though that arson attempt failed, the footage provided key evidence.

Investigators believe the final plan was set into motion on December 17, during a secret meeting in the Jalatan community. There, Montserrado County District 16 Rep. Dixon Sebo allegedly distributed cash to fund the execution of the fire.

The next morning, Capitol janitor James Muller reportedly opened the building unusually early. By 6:30 a.m., gasoline had been spread across two upper floors, and the fire was set. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours before extinguishing it.

Police say more than 65 individuals were questioned, with some providing confessions and others linked through phone records, surveillance, and digital evidence.

The LNP placed the total damage at $8,672,653.60, including costs to repair structural damage, IT losses, and restoration expenses. Much of the Legislature’s archival material including public petitions, committee reports, and official proceedings may be permanently lost.

Authorities described the arson attack on the capitol Building as a “coordinated and politically motivated” effort to sabotage Liberia’s Legislature.

“This was not just an attack on a building; it was an assault on the state itself,” declared Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman during a press briefing. “It was a deliberate and treasonous act by individuals who sought to disrupt the core of Liberia’s democratic governance for political advantage.”

Observers warn that the coming days may be decisive in shaping the country’s fragile peace and democratic trajectory.