The opposition leaders described the police actions as politically motivated, targeting the lawmakers./ George Weah, Alexander Cummings, Maxwell Kemayah and Musa Bility.
Monrovia – Four of Liberia’s major opposition political parties—the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), and the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC)—have issued a joint statement calling on the government to uphold due process and resist the political weaponization of the judiciary in the ongoing investigation into the Capitol Building arson attack.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The joint declaration, signed by leaders of the four parties, raises alarm over what they describe as politically motivated actions targeting opposition lawmakers, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Representatives Dixon W. Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee II.
According to the statement, the accused lawmakers—who, the parties say, pose no flight risk—were summoned by the Liberia National Police early Friday morning and kept in custody until late in the evening on June 6, with what appears to be an intent to detain them overnight. The parties described the move as “undemocratic” and reminiscent of “a darker chapter in our nation’s history.”
“The recent actions taken against these individuals are deeply concerning and reminiscent of a time when the judiciary was manipulated for political gains,” the joint statement read.
The opposition leaders stressed that while they support a thorough and impartial investigation into the fire incident, any attempt to use law enforcement to suppress dissent or target opposition members would be unacceptable.
“Engaging in politically motivated maneuvers that threaten to destabilize our nation is not only imprudent but also perilous,” the statement continued. “The investigation must be conducted fairly and without bias.”
The parties further warned that such actions could have serious repercussions for the country’s fragile peace and democratic gains.
“Failure to address this issue appropriately could lead to significant public discontent, expressed through legal and peaceful means,” they cautioned.
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detained lawmakers, insisting that their continued incarceration undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
“Our position on this matter is firm and non-negotiable,” they declared.
Despite the tense tone of the statement, the signatories reiterated their collective commitment to peace, development, and national unity—but emphasized that this commitment should not be interpreted as weakness.
“We stand united in our unwavering commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
Signatories to the Statement:
Ambassador George Manneh Weah, Political Leader, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Alexander Benedict Cummings, Political Leader, Alternative National Congress (ANC), Musa Hassan Bility, Political Leader, Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) and Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Political Leader, Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE)
Charges and Damage Estimates
On Friday, the Liberia National Police through its Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman announced that more than 65 individuals have been questioned in connection with the recent arson attack on the Capitol Building. Authorities report that several suspects have provided confessions, while others were linked to the incident through phone records, surveillance footage, and digital evidence.
Among those charged is Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, who faces multiple counts, including arson, solicitation, facilitation, criminal mischief, conspiracy, attempted murder, and reckless endangerment.
Representative Dixon Seboe (District #16, Montserrado) is accused of financing and organizing the alleged plot.
Representative Abu Kamara (District #15, Montserrado) and Representative Jacob C. Debee (District #3, Montserrado) have been charged with conspiracy and facilitation, while Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado) faces charges of solicitation and facilitation.
Several other individuals—Stephen Brough, Eric Susie, and Jerry Pokan (also known as Tyrese)—have been accused of direct involvement in the arson and assault on law enforcement officers.
The police have also named John Nynati as the alleged ringleader. He is currently wanted by Interpol. Additionally, three of former Speaker Koffa’s staffers—Patience Desmond, Amos Koffa, and Ms. Grinch-Johnson—have been implicated in the plot.
Damage Assessment and Legal Proceedings
The Liberia National Police estimate total damages at $8,672,653.60, covering structural repairs, IT system losses, and restoration costs. Police say that significant portions of the Legislature’s archival records, including public petitions, committee reports, and official proceedings, may have been permanently lost.
“This was not just an attack on a building; it was an assault on the state itself,” said Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman. “We are committed to ensuring that all those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
Col. Coleman added that all individuals in custody are being treated humanely and have been granted access to legal counsel.
