The Monrovia City Court has ruled against former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and three co-defendants, ordering that the arson case against them proceed to full trial.
Following a preliminary hearing, Magistrate L. Ben Barco determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, indicating there is sufficient evidence to reasonably suspect the defendants’ involvement in the alleged crimes. As a result, the matter has been transferred to Criminal Court “A” for trial.
“The court is not required at this stage to determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” Magistrate Barco noted. “It only needs to find reasonable grounds to suspect the accused committed a crime.”
Koffa, along with Representatives Dixon Seeboe, Abu B. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie, faces multiple charges related to a conspiracy to purchase and use explosives and gasoline in the burning of the Capitol Building’s joint chamber on December 18, 2024.
The fire, which occurred during a period of heightened political tension and protest, severely damaged the seat of Liberia’s legislature and sparked widespread public outcry.
With the case now moving to Criminal Court “A,” the lawmakers will face a full trial where the prosecution will be required to present its evidence in detail and meet the higher threshold of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
No trial date has been set, but court sources suggest proceedings could begin within the coming term.
