Monrovia, Liberia — Proceedings in the Capitol Building arson case have been temporarily suspended after former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and eight co-defendants petitioned the Supreme Court of Liberia to intervene in a dispute over the trial jury.
The defendants are challenging a decision by Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie to disband the jury in the high-profile matter. In their filing before the high court, the petitioners argue that the judge’s action was procedurally improper and threatens the fairness and stability of the ongoing trial.
Acting swiftly, the Supreme Court issued a formal notice dated March 2, 2026. Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba directed Judge Willie to appear before the Court for a conference scheduled for March 5 at 2:00 p.m. The high court further ordered an immediate stay on all proceedings related to the Capitol arson case pending review of the petition.
The stay order effectively pauses one of Liberia’s most closely followed criminal trials. Courtroom activity has been suspended as attorneys and litigants await guidance from the nation’s highest judicial authority.
The Supreme Court’s upcoming conference is expected to determine whether Judge Willie’s decision to discharge the jury will stand or whether the panel will be reinstated, allowing the trial to resume.
For now, the Capitol arson case remains in procedural limbo, with attention shifting from the trial court to the Supreme Court as the legal battle over due process unfolds.
