Rep. Koffa Indicted Alongside Co-Defendants in Capitol Arson Case

In a major legal development, the Grand Jury of Montserrado County has formally indicted former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and over a dozen co-defendants in connection with the December 2024 arson attack on Liberia’s Capitol Building. Filed before Criminal Court “A,” the indictment outlines a series of serious felony charges, including arson, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and the release of destructive forces. Prosecutors allege that the defendants convened a clandestine meeting on December 17, 2024, near Jallah Town Road in Monrovia, where they orchestrated the plot that would unfold in the early morning hours of December 18. Among those charged are notable political figures and affiliates, including Dixon W. Seboe, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Deebie, who, along with others, are accused of aiding and abetting the execution of the attack. The arson caused widespread destruction to the Capitol Building, with damages estimated at $3.8 million. The fire ravaged legislative chambers, offices, vital records, furnishings, and electronic equipment essential to the daily operations of the national legislature. The prosecution’s case hinges on key pieces of evidence, including a handwritten letter allegedly authored by co-defendant Kivi Bah, which details the planning of the attack. In addition, audio recordings captured co-conspirators discussing plans to target law enforcement, utilize petrol bombs, and disrupt legislative activities through the deployment of firearms, tear gas, and chlorine. The indictment also highlights attempts by individuals allegedly tied to Koffa’s office to delete incriminating digital files from communication devices and cloud storage accounts, a move prosecutors argue was intended to obstruct justice and conceal the broader conspiracy. All defendants have been charged under Chapter 10 of the Liberian Penal Law, which covers crimes against internal state security. If convicted, they face significant prison terms and possible lifetime sentences, depending on the court’s findings and the severity of each individual's involvement. Legal experts across Liberia are calling the case one of the most consequential prosecutions in recent memory, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the gravity of the charges. “This trial will not only test the strength of Liberia’s legal institutions,” one legal analyst noted, “but also has the potential to reshape public trust in the nation’s political leadership.” The indictment comes amid growing calls for accountability and stability in the wake of increased political tensions and public unrest. National and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, with the forthcoming trial expected to draw intense media coverage and public scrutiny.