By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Grand Kru, Liberia, June 9, 2025: The Grand Kru County Legislative Caucus is demanding the immediate release of former House Speaker and Grand Kru District #2 Representative, J. Fonati Koffa, from detention, stating that he poses no flight risk and should be granted bail.
In a strongly worded statement issued over the weekend, the caucus expressed deep concern over the ongoing legal proceedings involving their colleague and emphasized solidarity with him during what they called a troubling moment in Liberia’s democratic process.
“Release him from further detention,” the statement reads, as the caucus called on the Ministry of Justice to respect Koffa’s rights and allow due process to proceed without continued incarceration.
“The charges brought against Rep. Koffa are bailable, and as such, his continued detention is unwarranted”, the caucus continued.
The Grand Kru lawmakers also called for fairness in the judicial process, urging authorities to ensure a “free, fair, and impartial trial” as the case unfolds.
Rep. Koffa, along with Representatives Jacob Debee, Dixon Seboe, and Abu Kamara, is facing serious criminal charges here, including arson and attempted murder, tied to a December 2024 fire that severely damaged the Joint Chambers of the Liberian Legislature.
All four lawmakers were arraigned before the Monrovia City Court on Saturday, June 7, and ordered held without bail. The court’s decision has sparked backlash from supporters and political allies, who content that the charges are politically motivated.
Judge Ben Barco granted medical dispensation to Unity Party-backed lawmaker, Rep. Prescilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado), following a request from her legal team. However, a similar plea on behalf of CDC lawmaker Rep. Abu Kamara (District #15, Montserrado) was denied, despite claims of his worsening health condition due to high blood pressure.
The detentions have intensified an already charged political atmosphere in Liberia. Protests erupted outside the Monrovia Central Prison over the weekend, with demonstrators accusing the Unity Party-led government of orchestrating a political witch-hunt against opposition figures. In response, the Liberia National Police (LNP) erected barricades around the prison and heightened security.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue on Monday, with both opposition leaders and civil society organizations closely monitoring the situation. The case is emerging as a major test for Liberia’s judicial independence and political stability. Editing by Jonathan Browne
