MONROVIA-Former House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and others facing various counts of indictments in connection to the December 8, 2024 Capitol Building Fire arson have filed a new motion as the case drags steadily to its logical and conclusive end.
Koffa, Representatives Dixon W. Seboe, Abu S. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie, charged sometimes ago by the Liberian government, are demanding evidence, accusing prosecutors of hiding vital evidence proving their non-involvement in a conspiracy to set the Legislature ablaze has been withheld.
They are seeking a court order that eventually compels the prosecutors to release the socalled evidence.
On Monday August 11, the lawmakers filed a motion in Criminal Court “A,” demanding comprehensive access to all documents and evidence the Ministry of Justice has utilized to obtain their fake indictment.
The motion comes amid the state’s apparent reluctance to disclose evidence over six weeks following their arrest is a violation of their constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.
The motion states “The sole purpose of this Motion for Discovery is to afford them the opportunity to traverse the averments as couched in the indictment along with the evidence, and to exculpate, vindicate, or exonerate themselves from the crimes charged,” the motion elaborates.
Koffa and his colleagues are charged with serious offenses including arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and attempted murder.
They are sternly arguing their innocence, insisting that they had no prior knowledge or involvement in any alleged plan to burn down the Capitol.
Their legal troubles stem from a devastating fire that engulfed the Capitol Building in December 2024, which houses Liberia’s Senate and House of Representatives.
It is held that the fire was intentionally set as part of a broader criminal conspiracy among certain lawmakers and their associates.
On May 16, 2025, a Monrovia City Court issued writs of arrest for former Speaker Koffa, Seboe, Kamara, Debbie, and additional individuals implicated in the case.
The charges included arson, criminal conspiracy, and illegal possession of firearms, among others.
After their arrests, they posted property valuation bonds and were subsequently ordered to appear in court when summoned.
However, the case was later transferred to Criminal ‘A’ after Magistrate L. Ben Barco found no probable cause during a preliminary hearing.
The motion filed accused prosecutors of failing to produce the evidence essential for the defense’s preparation, leading to significant delays that the defense argues infringe upon their rights.
Defense attorneys led by Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi said the lack of disclosure is “not only unjust but also impedes their ability to scrutinize the prosecution’s case, contest its claims, and mount a robust defense.”
Cllr. Massaquoi has sworn an affidavit affirming the truthfulness of the allegations stated in the motion and is advocating for Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to compel the Ministry of Justice to release all pertinent evidence and ensure a prompt trial in line with the constitutional rights of the defendants.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
