Monrovia – Former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has launched a scathing attack on Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman, accusing him of initiating a politically motivated investigation and prosecution against him and other lawmakers linked to the recent Capitol fire incident.
By: Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected], and Victoria Wesseh, [email protected]
Speaking shortly after his release from police custody, Koffa dismissed the Liberia National Police’s case as a fabrication built on “innuendos, lies, and misstatements,” and vowed to expose what he called the truth behind the politically charged allegations.
“Did you hear the press conference of Gregory Coleman, the I.G.? He did say that this is a highly political case, did he not?” Koffa told journalists. “So, you don’t take the partisan’s word for it, you take the I.G.’s word for it. He decided to bring this case based on a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies, and misstatements.”
Koffa, who was arrested and charged in connection with the mysterious fire that damaged portions of the Capitol Building, maintained his innocence and insisted that the charges are part of a broader political witch-hunt.
“In the next few weeks, as we go through the preliminary hearing, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy of what we’ve done,” he said.
Labeling the legal proceedings as a “political battle,” Koffa framed his release as a symbolic victory. “As long as we’re in a political battle, it’s a political win,” he declared defiantly.
While Coleman has yet to officially respond to Koffa’s allegations, he earlier defended the police’s actions in a Facebook post, asserting that the investigation was based on law and not influenced by politics.
Opposition Leaders Rally Behind Koffa
Koffa’s claims come amid rising political tensions surrounding the Capitol fire incident, which the authorities allege was deliberately orchestrated. His statements echo those made by top opposition figures, including former President George Weah, Alternative National Congress (ANC) leader Alexander B. Cummings, and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
The opposition leaders had called on their supporters to gather in solidarity with Koffa and his co-defendants—Abu B. Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), Dixon W. Seboe (District #16, Montserrado), and Jacob C. Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh)—at the Temple of Justice.
Supporters responded in large numbers, transforming the courthouse into a political rally. Former President Weah, Cummings, Musa Bility, and Maxwell Kemayah were all present. Notably, Weah and Cummings were seen shaking hands and briefly chatting while their aides stood by.
The most emotional moment came when bond was secured, and the lawmakers were released from Monrovia Central Prison. Weah drove to the facility and embraced Koffa warmly before raising his right hand and shouting the famous anti-apartheid chant: “Amandla!” to which the crowd roared back: “Awethu!”
Cummings Decries ‘Selective Justice’
Alexander B. Cummings condemned what he describes as “selective justice” in the ongoing legal saga. He criticized the government’s decision to detain the four lawmakers, while releasing Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper, calling it an embarrassment to the state and a threat to the rule of law.
Cummings, a prominent voice for political accountability since the days of the CDC-led government, emphasized that justice must be applied consistently and fairly—regardless of political affiliation.
“Our actions over the last few days aren’t just about Fonati Koffa and others—this is about something bigger: the rule of law, due process, and fair treatment for all citizens,” he said. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty—that’s a core principle of the Liberian Constitution.”
He questioned the perceived disparity in how the lawmakers were treated, noting that Rep. Cooper was released to her legal team, while others were publicly detained and paraded before trial.
“If JFK is guilty, let the courts decide. But there’s no need for public embarrassment or what appears to be selective enforcement,” Cummings stated. “We can’t support a system where some are treated with discretion and others are punished before due process. Justice must be consistent.”
Cummings urged Liberians to reject the normalization of politically motivated legal practices under the excuse that “it happens elsewhere.”
“If a crime was committed, let the law take its course. But let’s do it right—without double standards, without theatrics, and with full respect for every citizen’s rights,” he concluded.
Property Bond and Court Proceedings
The four lawmakers were released on a US$440,000 property bond after the Monrovia City Court approved the security offered by Madam Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa.
According to court documents, the bond guarantees that Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, J. Fonati Koffa, and Jacob Debee will appear before the court to answer to charges including arson, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and theft of property.
The bond was filed and approved on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:05 a.m. by Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco, who ordered the sheriff to proceed to the Monrovia Central Prison for the immediate and unconditional release of the defendants.
Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, lead counsel for the defendants, told reporters that the process of securing the property bond had delayed their release. “Normally, it takes about three days for a property bond to be verified and approved,” he explained. “That’s why we couldn’t secure their release last Friday.”
The lawmakers are expected to appear to court today Tuesday, for preliminary examination.
