“Police Had Nothing on Me” – Rep. Foko calls Ex-Speaker Koffa’s arrest a daylight witch hunt
By Kruah Thomson
Monrovia, Liberia: Montserrado County District #9 Representative, Frank Saah Foko, described the arrest of former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and several of his colleagues a daylight witch hunt, while declaring that the police had nothing on him.
He publicly declared himself a free man following his release from police questioning in relation to the December 18, 2024, fire that gutted parts of the Capitol Building.
Rep. Foko, speaking to reporters shortly after his release on Friday, stated that the Liberia National Police (LNP) was unable to provide any evidence linking him to the arson incident that heavily damaged the Joint Chambers and sections of the House of Representatives.
“They had nothing on me,” Rep. Foko asserted. “This was my second invitation, and all the questions they asked me were the same from my first appearance. There is no proof that I was involved in anything, so they told me I could go home, and they would call me again if necessary.”
The lawmaker, who has come under public scrutiny since a video surfaced shortly after the fire showing him making what some interpreted as incriminating remarks, maintained his innocence and labeled the investigation as politically motivated.
He went on to condemn the recent arrest and detention of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, describing it as “a broad daylight witch hunt” orchestrated by the ruling Unity Party led government against certain official of the CDC.
“Former Speaker Koffa is a peaceful and respected national figure,” Foko said. “To invite and detain him for something he knows nothing about is shameful. It shows how this government is targeting opposition figures especially CDC members.”
Rep. Foko also expressed frustration with the manner in which the police are conducting their investigation, claiming a lack of transparency and fairness.
On June 7, 2025, Rep. Foko, along with five others including former Speaker Koffa, Dixon Siebo, Jacob Debe, Abu Kamara, and Priscilla Cooper were invited to appear before the LNP as part of the ongoing probe into the early morning fire that engulfed the Capitol Building six months earlier.
During his interaction with the press, Foko emphasized that while he respects the right of the police to summon individuals for questioning, he strongly believes the exercise has been hijacked for political gain.
“I won’t kneel or bow to political pressure,” he stated firmly. “We were elected to represent the people, and I will continue to speak out for what is right.”
Foko also lashed out at the government, accusing it of corruption and bad governance. He referenced the president’s properties including a luxury vehicle and a duplex under construction in Lofa County, suggesting that attempts are being made to use his personal wealth to smear his character.
“I will never insult anyone, but I won’t keep quiet when wrong is being done to the Liberian people,” he said. “I’m ready to stand up for what is right, even if it costs me my life.”
In a final remark, Rep. Foko sent a clear message to President Boakai and his administration saying that “We will not sleep on you. We will remain awake and vigilant, speaking against corruption, killings, and dictatorship.”
He concluded by assuring the Liberian people of his commitment to holding the current government accountable.
“This regime will be exposed. The abuses, the misconduct, and the human rights violations will all be brought to light,” Foko declared. – Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
