— Appears to assist in the Capitol Building arson attack investigation
The embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, and his team of lawyers are expected to honor an invitation from the Liberia National Police (LNP) in an effort to assist the state in the ongoing investigation of the Capitol Building arson attack.
Koffa and seven members of the House, all of whom are his ardent supporters, were named persons of interest by the police and called upon to assist with the investigation.
“I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in that incident,” the embattled Speaker said in a Facebook post.”
His comment was in reference to the fire that occurred at the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, that shocked the nation, bringing it to a standstill. The LNP termed the blaze as a deliberate act of sabotage, sparking concerns about potential ties between the arson attack and the internal power struggle within the House of Representatives.
The alleged arson attack occurred amidst a prolonged leadership crisis within the House, particularly revolving around the speakership dispute involving Speaker Koffa and the Majority Bloc.
The arson revelation added a disquieting layer to the ongoing political tussle, suggesting possible criminal implications in the House leadership conflict. The incident didn’t only shake the nation, it infused a sense of criminality into an already tense situation.
Following the LNP’s investigation, key figures within Koffa’s camp, including Representatives Dixon Seboe, Marvin Cole, Frank Foko, Prescilla Cooper, Abu Kamara, and Jacob C. Debee, were identified as persons of interest. Some of the lawmakers were linked to inflammatory remarks and now face scrutiny for their purported involvement in the arson attack.
In an official communication to the House leadership, the LNP named Koffa and the others as persons of interest and indicated its intention to question them as part of the inquiry.
“Given the sensitive nature of this investigation and the need for transparent proceedings, we have identified members of your House as persons of interest and will be calling them for questioning,” the police said. “We assure the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, with full respect for the rights of all individuals involved.”
The police stressed the need for transparency in the investigation and underscored the importance of cooperation from the House leadership to aid the probe and prevent potential future incidents.
Koffa Maintains Innocence, Appeals for International Oversight
The embattled Speaker continues to maintain his innocence and has called on security authorities to engage international partners to ensure a transparent and fair investigation process.
“I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” he urged, while, in a social media post, called for international assistance in probing the Capitol fire.
Hours after the police’s communication was read during a session, Koffa appealed for external oversight to ensure the inquiry’s transparency and credibility.
“Given the sensitive nature of this investigation and the need for transparent proceedings, we have identified members of your House as persons of interest and will be calling them for questioning. We assure the public that the investigation will be conducted professionally, with full respect for the rights of all individuals involved,” Koffa wrote on his Facebook page, echoing the LNP’s language.
Koffa reiterated his innocence, stressing that he has cooperated fully with authorities since the fire and remains committed to transparency. He also emphasized the need for impartiality in the investigation, urging the government to seek international partners for support.
“Since the unfortunate occurrence of this event, I have consistently cooperated and ensured the cooperation of all persons under my employ,” Koffa wrote. “I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event. I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.”
In response to his suggestion, the Liberian government has enlisted a team of fire experts from the United States to collaborate with the Liberian National Police and the Liberia National Fire Service in investigating the suspected arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Koffa shared in an exclusive interview with the Daily Observer on Sunday that he would be present at the police headquarters to respond to inquiries at 1 pm today. Former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) executive Acarous M. Gray expressed support for Koffa in a Facebook post on Sunday, March 2, announcing plans to accompany Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to the LNP headquarters.
“By 1:00PM on Monday, March 3, we are invited to assemble at the Liberia National Police Headquarters as we escort Speaker J. Fonati Koffa who was invited by the police. This is a call to duty and please share this public message to all who are interested!”
