Liberia‘s former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and three other lawmakers have been released from prison after posting a bond of $440,000. Koffa, along with Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, and Jacob Debee, were charged in connection with the December 18 blaze that ravaged the Capitol building, causing $8.6 million in damages. The four politicians face multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder.
The fire occurred a day after Koffa’s planned removal as speaker sparked protests in Monrovia, with demonstrators including an aide to former President George Weah being arrested. Liberian police claim there are “credible links” suggesting Koffa’s strategic involvement in the incident, which he denies.
Koffa had been embroiled in a power struggle with his opponents, who voted for his impeachment last October over allegations of poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest. Although the impeachment bid fell short of the required two-thirds majority, Koffa eventually resigned as speaker after months of deadlock.
Representative Frank Saah Foko, a prominent figure in the House of Representatives, allegedly uploaded a video to Facebook stating, “If they want us to burn the chambers, we will burn it.” Another lawmaker, Priscilla Cooper, has also been charged but was not detained due to health reasons. The court has imposed a travel ban on the accused pending the conclusion of the case.
The blaze destroyed the entire joint chambers of Liberia’s legislature, causing an estimated $8.6 million in damages. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire, but the incident has sparked intense scrutiny of the country’s leadership. The accused politicians, including former Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, have denied any involvement in the fire.
Koffa’s resignation as speaker came after months of political deadlock, during which dozens of lawmakers voted for his impeachment over allegations of poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest. The power struggle had paralyzed the legislature, and Koffa’s departure was seen as a potential step towards resolving the crisis.
The case has raised concerns about the stability of Liberia’s government and the rule of law. The country’s justice system will face a significant test in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused politicians. If convicted, they could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.