Criminal Court 'A' Assumes Jurisdiction Over High-Profile Lawmakers’ Case

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Criminal Court "A" has formally assumed jurisdiction over the high-profile criminal case involving five sitting lawmakers who were recently transferred from the Monrovia City Court. This significant development was confirmed on Monday by the Judicial Correspondent assigned to the court. The lawmakers Representatives Fonati Koffa, Abu Kamara, Dixon Seeboe, Jacob Deebee, and a fifth legislator whose identity remains pending official release made their first appearance before Criminal Court "A" earlier this week. The proceedings mark a major shift in what has become one of the most closely followed legal sagas in recent memory.

During Monday’s appearance, the accused lawmakers were accompanied by their spouses who acted as sureties for their bond arrangements. However, four of the lawmakers Koffa, Kamara, Seeboe, and Deebee were subsequently released into the custody of their legal counsels. This move followed a formal application submitted by state prosecutors challenging the legal sufficiency of the bonds posted on their behalf. The prosecution argued that the bonds did not meet the necessary legal requirements, prompting the Court to permit the temporary turnover of the defendants to their lawyers while the issue is under review. The fifth lawmaker’s bond was reportedly not contested.

This transfer follows the Monrovia City Court’s recent decision to deny a motion by the defense to dismiss the police charges filed against the legislators. In a ruling issued last week, the subordinate court found enough probable cause for the case to advance to Criminal Court "A." The charges leveled against the lawmakers are grave and include arson, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, and aggravated assault, among others. The allegations stem from an incident that is yet to be fully detailed in public but has drawn widespread attention due to the political stature of the individuals involved. Legal analysts note that with the case now under the jurisdiction of Criminal Court "A," the matter is poised to proceed to a Grand Jury for possible indictment in accordance with the laws governing Montserrado County. The appearance of the lawmakers sets the procedural stage for this next phase in the legal process. As the judicial process unfolds, the case is expected to serve as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to the rule of law and accountability regardless of status or political affiliation.