MONROVIA – The preliminary hearing for the December 2024 Capitol Building arson case began on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Monrovia City Court, with former President George Weah attempting to serve as surety for his political partisans charged in connection to the devastating fire. Weah, who is also the political leader of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), made the request on behalf of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Fonati Koffa, Rep. Abu Kamara, and Dixon Seboe, all of whom are facing charges in the ongoing trial. However, Weah’s request was denied by the court.
The case, which has attracted significant public and political attention, centers around the December 18, 2024, arson attack on the Capitol Building. Chief Inspector Peter Johnson of the Liberia National Police (LNP) took the witness stand on behalf of the state, revealing damning audio evidence and testimonies that have further complicated the case. Johnson testified that former Speaker Koffa was charged based on a Facebook post, in which he allegedly used the phrase “ALarmo,” which was interpreted as a call to action for the violent incident. The investigation has since revealed an audio recording, in which Koffa reportedly admitted to being the voice heard, though he denied involvement in the plot to burn down part of the Capitol.
Despite Koffa’s denial of the conversation depicted in the recording, Chief Inspector Johnson presented evidence suggesting that Koffa may have financed the arson plot, with Dixon Seboe allegedly tasked with executing the attack. The case has become further embroiled in controversy as some lawmakers, including Koffa, have suggested that the audio might have been fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI), a claim that has not been substantiated.
Meanwhile, on June 9, 2025, Monrovia City Court Magistrate Ben Barco authorized a property bond for the accused lawmakers, which was secured to allow their release from the Monrovia Central Prison after spending the weekend in detention. The bond, valued at US$440,000, was signed by sureties Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mous Koffa, who committed their assets as collateral. The lawmakers will now be required to appear before the court to face serious charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
The signing of the bond was conducted under tight security and witnessed by a large crowd of supporters and high-profile political figures. Former President Weah’s appearance in the courtroom highlighted the politically charged nature of the proceedings, with other former officials of the CDC administration also in attendance. As the case progresses, the Monrovia City Court remains the focal point of Liberia’s most controversial legal battle to date.
Smart News will continue to monitor the developments and provide updates as the trial unfolds.
