Former House Speaker Fonati Koffa and four opposition lawmakers have been formally charged and detained by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in connection with the fire that ravaged a section of the Capitol Building in December 2024.
The charges against Koffa, who was taken into custody on Friday following several hours of interrogation, include criminal facilitation, arson, and criminal conspiracy to commit arson. He is among six members of the opposition bloc who were summoned by authorities this week as part of the probe into the Capitol fire incident.
Representative Jacob Debee has also been charged with criminal conspiracy to commit arson, while Representative Abu B. Kamara faces charges of criminal facilitation and conspiracy, stemming from a conversation that reportedly took place on December 10, 2024, just days before the blaze.
Security has been dramatically intensified around the Liberia National Police Headquarters as supporters and political observers gathered to witness the events unfold. Koffa made a notable entrance, stepping out of his vehicle holding a toothbrush—a gesture interpreted by many as a sign of his acceptance of potential detention.
In a statement addressing Muslim faithful on the day of Eid al-Adha, Koffa maintained his innocence, condemning the police actions as unjust. “We are witnessing a time where men are accused without evidence, where justice is being weaponized,” he lamented. Koffa emphasized the importance of truth and justice, urging prayers for courage and clarity for the nation during this tumultuous period.
He further warned that democracy cannot thrive when due process is disregarded and denounced what he termed a political witch hunt against him and his colleagues. “As you raise your hands in prayer today,” he stated, “may you also ask for courage, clarity, and justice for our nation.”
