The Liberia National Police (LNP) has dropped a political bombshell, charging five sitting lawmakers, including former House Speaker Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, in connection with the attempted arson of the Capitol Building, in what authorities are calling a “coordinated attack on state power.”
The accused lawmakers are:
Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the 55th Legislature
Hon. Abu Kamara (District #15, Montserrado County)
Hon. Jacob Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh County)
Hon. Dixon W. Seboe (District #16, Montserrado County)
Hon. Prescilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County)
They face a host of serious charges, including:
Arson
Criminal Mischief
Reckless Endangerment of Another Person
Criminal Conspiracy
Criminal Facilitation
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder
Criminal Solicitation.
According to investigators, former Speaker Koffa is accused of masterminding the plot and using individuals from his own office to ignite the fire, allegedly in collaboration with the four other lawmakers. Police say the attack was both financed and orchestrated by the group as part of a wider plan to disrupt the government and incite fear.
“The evidence gathered shows a shocking betrayal of public trust,” said an LNP official close to the case. “This was a deliberate act aimed at sabotaging one of the most important symbols of our democracy.”
Sources within the police force confirmed that arraignment is imminent, and all five lawmakers are expected to be remanded into custody following court proceedings.
The news has triggered outrage across the political landscape, with widespread condemnation from civil society, legal practitioners, and ordinary Liberians. Already, some members of the House of Representatives are calling for suspensions and internal investigations, while pressure mounts for a full legislative review of the accused lawmakers’ status.
Legal proceedings are already underway, with all five lawmakers expected to appear in court. The development presents a major test for Liberia’s judicial system at a time when public trust in governance is under growing strain.
Meanwhile, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Frank Saah Foko and Bong County District #3 Representative J. Marvin Cole, previously named as persons of interest in the investigation, have now been cleared of any involvement and dismissed from the case.
Stay with Geez Liberia for exclusive updates, courtroom developments, and full political reactions as this historic case unfolds.
