In a tense preliminary hearing at the Monrovia City Court on Tuesday state prosecutors found themselves in a precarious position as they struggled to establish a direct connection between former House Speaker Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers to a December 2024 fire that significantly damaged the Capitol Building.
Defense lawyers argued for the dismissal of all charges, insisting that the prosecution had failed to present substantial evidence linking their clients to the alleged arson attack.
The legal proceedings, drawing significant public attention due to the political implications, centered around charges against Koffa and Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee II.
They face multiple serious allegations, including Arson, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Facilitation, Reckless Endangerment, Attempted Murder, and Criminal Conspiracy. Representative Prescilla Cooper opted to waive her right to a preliminary hearing.
Defense lawyers argued that the state’s case relies heavily on conjecture rather than concrete evidence.
“There is no evidence, no video, no eyewitnesses that places our clients at the scene of the crime or proves they planned or supported this criminal act,” one attorney stated emphatically. The defense criticized the prosecution’s arguments, claiming they stem from uncorroborated recordings and misinterpretations, such as Koffa’s informal references to initial suspects as “his boy.”
“This is a trial by implication, not evidence,” the defense team asserted, emphasizing that mere suspicion should not substitute for proof in a court of law.
Prosecutors alleged that Koffa and the others conspired in the attack, which occurred during a tumultuous period for the national legislature. The absence of forensic evidence or reliable testimonies to support the charges appears to bring into question the police evidence gathering practices.
If the court finds merit in the defense’s request to dismiss the case, the legal battle may end before reaching trial. After the hearing, Koffa vocally challenged the validity of the prosecution’s claims, deeming the trial a “mockery of justice.” He condemned the process as built on “lies, innuendos, and misstated facts,” asserting confidence in his innocence based on witness testimonies presented during the hearing.
In a moment of levity, Koffa mocked a prosecution witness who repeatedly sought permission to use the restroom, quipping, “The way the proceeding goes, that side that can go peepee quick, quick is the side that is losing.”
Representative Abu Kamara characterized the allegations as “lies told from hell,” while Rep. Jacob Debee dismissed the trial as a waste of time.
The Monrovia City Court is expected to issue a ruling soon on whether the case will advance to formal indictment, leaving the accused lawmakers awaiting a decision that could significantly impact their political futures.
