The Grand Jury for Montserrado County has handed down a sweeping indictment against former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and 14 others in connection with the alleged Capitol Building arson incident. The indictment was formally submitted to Criminal Court “A” and is now under the jurisdiction of Resident Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie.
The list of indicted individuals includes a mix of political figures and private citizens:
Kivi Bah alias “Kaba”
Jerry Pokah alias “Tyrese”
Stephen M. Broh
John Nyanti
Rep. Dixon W. Seboe
J. Fonati Koffa
Patience Bestman
Harrilyn Grace Johnson
Abu B. Kamara
Jacob C. Deebie
Christian Kofa
Amos Kofa
Eric Susay
Thomas Isaac Etheridge …and others yet to be identified
According to the indictment, the group faces an array of serious charges, including:
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder Criminal Mischief Criminal Conspiracy Criminal Facilitation Criminal Solicitation Release of Destructive Forces Reckless Burning or Exploding Recklessly Endangering Another Person
The charge of Arson is particularly significant, classified as a second-degree felony under Liberian law. The indictment also includes multiple misdemeanors of the first degree.
Judicial observers say the indictment marks a critical turning point in what has become one of the most politically sensitive criminal cases in recent memory. The accusations stem from an alleged coordinated effort to damage or destroy parts of the Capitol Building, though the full scope of the incident remains under investigation.
“This case is now formally set for trial during the August Term of Court,” a source in the judiciary confirmed. “All eyes will be on Criminal Court ‘A’ as Judge Willie presides over what could be a landmark proceeding.”
Last week, the Monrovia City Court granted criminal appearance bonds for the defendants, ruling that their bond met legal standards. Following that ruling, the Clerk of Court was ordered to transmit all case minutes to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A.”
As legal teams prepare their arguments and the public awaits answers, the Capitol arson case is expected to dominate headlines in the coming months.
Follow Geez Liberia for ongoing coverage of this developing story.
