The property valuation bond, filed to secure their release from prison, was submitted by Joanna Janet Koffa, one of the daughters of the former Speaker.
Monrovia-The Special Grand Jury for Montserrado County has issued a multi-count indictment against several individuals, including former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District Number 16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe, for their alleged roles in the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, seat of Liberia’s national legislature.
By Willie Tokpah
The indictment, handed down during the May Term A.D. OF Court by the Grand Jury follows a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Liberia to deny the Government’s motion for judicial review of a bond filed on behalf of Koffa and others.
The High Court’s refusal effectively upheld their temporary release but cleared the way for prosecution to proceed based on newly consolidated evidence.
According to the indictment, probable cause exists to charge the named individuals with nine serious offences, including Arson, Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Facilitation, Criminal Solicitation, Release of Destructive Forces, Reckless Burning or Exploding and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
The indictment alleges that on December 17 to 18, 2024, a group of individuals, allegedly with the support of high-ranking political figures including Representatives Seboe, Koffa, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Deebie, willfully conspired to and executed an arson attack on the Capitol Building.
According to the Grand Jury, the plot was finalised during a meeting near the used car lot opposite the CONEX Gas Station on Jallah Town Road.
The following morning, around 5:00 a.m., the defendants allegedly procured and used gasoline to set ablaze the Joint Chambers, causing over US$3.7 million in damage, including destruction of electrical wiring and legislative furniture.
The indictment references a written confession by defendant Kivi Bah alias Kaba, addressed to co-defendant Seboe, in which he reportedly detailed the planning and execution of the arson.
Further evidence includes audio recordings capturing,
Eric Susay coordinated the gasoline delivery and referenced the disarming of Police Sergeant Amara Bility, whose service weapon was allegedly stolen; while Amos Kofa and Thomas Etheridge, discussed the use of tear gas and chlorine to disrupt legislative sessions, a plan to use petrol bombs to target the LRJ Hotel, the residence of Representative James Kolleh, and vehicles belonging to majority bloc lawmakers.
The indictment further noted that the defendants also allegedly incited a riot, during which dangerous objects were thrown at law enforcement officers.
Accordingly, property damage included a Toyota Prado SUV (Plate A6309), belonging to Deputy LAA Director F. Augustine Tamba, reportedly valued at US$20,000.
The indictment cites violations of multiple chapters of the Liberian Penal Law, including, Chapter 15 – Offenses Against Property 15.1, 15.2, 15.4, §15.5, Chapter 10 – Inchoate Offenses 10.1 – Criminal Attempt, 10.2 – Conspiracy, 10.3 – Solicitation and Chapter 14 – Offenses Against the Person 14.23 – Reckless Endangerment.
The Grand Jury concludes that the defendants acted unlawfully and without any affirmative legal defence, thereby breaching public trust and endangering national security.
With the indictment now public, the case is expected to move forward to trial.
While some of the defendants remain free on bonds, including lawmakers, Koffa and Seboe, others are reportedly in custody or under active surveillance.
The Ministry of Justice has pledged to pursue the matter vigorously, citing the gravity of the offences and the alleged attack on Liberia’s democratic institutions.
No official response has yet been issued by the indicted lawmakers.
Legal analysts note that if convicted, the charges, particularly arson and attempted murder, could carry lengthy prison terms and potential political consequences
