MONROVIA – The Ministry of Justice has formally petitioned Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice to assign a high-profile criminal case for trial, scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The case involves over a dozen defendants, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Representative Dixon Ceebo, Abu Kamara, Kivi Bah, Jerry Pokah, Stephen Broh, Christian Koffa, and several others.
Court documents obtained by Smart News Liberia show that the defendants are facing multiple felony counts related to alleged criminal activities in Monrovia. The charges, which include arson, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, release of destructive forces, reckless burning of explosives endangering others, and criminal solicitation, are considered among the most serious to be brought against public officials and community leaders this year.
According to the official notice of assignment signed by Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie and filed by the Assistant Clerk of Criminal Court “A” on August 22, 2025, the accused and their legal counsel are commanded to appear before the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A,” at the Circuit Courthouse in Monrovia at 10:00 a.m. for the commencement of trial.
The notice states, in part: “You are hereby commanded to notify the parties and/or counsels in the above-captioned case to appear before the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes ‘A’ for Montserrado County, Republic of Liberia, sitting in its August Term, A.D. 2025, at the Circuit Courthouse, Temple of Justice Building, Monrovia, Liberia, on Thursday the 28th day of August, A.D. 2025, at the precise hour of 10:00 a.m., that is to say, for trial.”
The Ministry of Justice, through the County Attorney of Montserrado, filed the petition to officially commence proceedings against the defendants. “The Ministry of Justice, by and through the office of the County Attorney of Montserrado, most respectfully prays your Honour to assign the case for trial on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.,” the documents read.
While the full details of the alleged incidents remain sealed, legal analysts suggest the case could have political undertones due to the inclusion of former public officials and well-known community leaders among the accused. Critics have expressed concern that the charges may be part of a broader political crackdown, though government officials have maintained that the rule of law applies to all citizens regardless of status or affiliation.
Court filings outline that the defendants face charges including “arson, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, release of destructive forces, reckless burning of explosives endangering others, and criminal solicitation,” according to the documents in the possession of Smart News Liberia. The cases are slated to be heard before Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, who will preside over the proceedings at the Temple of Justice.
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