MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has approved temporary medical travel requests for former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Bana Kamara, allowing both lawmakers to seek medical care abroad while legal proceedings in the Capitol Building arson case remain suspended.
The approvals came through separate applications submitted by the lawmakers’ legal teams, requesting that existing travel restrictions be temporarily lifted to permit urgent medical consultations and examinations outside Liberia.
According to court documents signed by Clerk of Court Hector M. Dolo, Cllr. Koffa has been authorized to travel to the United States from June 15 through July 18, 2026. The court also granted Representative Kamara permission to travel for medical treatment after concerns were raised about his health condition.
Kamara’s lawyers informed the court that the lawmaker experienced serious health complications, including elevated blood pressure, during his period of detention. The court subsequently approved his request to obtain specialized medical attention overseas.
Court records indicate that both men are required to return to Liberia immediately upon the expiration of their approved travel periods to continue participating in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The lawmakers are among several opposition figures facing charges connected to the December 18, 2024 fire that destroyed portions of the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building. The incident occurred during a period of heightened political tensions within the House of Representatives, as a bloc of lawmakers sought to remove Koffa from the Speakership.
Following an extensive investigation, the Liberia National Police alleged that the fire was deliberately planned and executed, resulting in significant damage to the Capitol Building. Authorities estimated losses at more than US$1.8 million.
In June 2025, Koffa, Kamara, Representative Dixon Seboe, and Representative Jacob Debee were arrested and detained at the Monrovia Central Prison before later securing their release through a criminal appearance bond valued at US$440,000.
The case advanced to Criminal Court “A” after a grand jury indictment was returned in November 2025. Prosecutors charged the defendants with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal mischief, theft of property, and terroristic threats. All defendants have denied the allegations.
Despite the court’s decision to grant the medical travel requests, the substantive trial remains at a standstill following an intervention by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The high court previously ordered a stay of proceedings after defense lawyers challenged aspects of the lower court’s handling of the case, including disputes surrounding evidentiary standards and constitutional questions raised by the defense.
The Supreme Court is expected to review arguments relating to legislative immunity, due process concerns, and the admissibility of digital evidence presented by state prosecutors before determining the next course of action in the highly watched case.
For now, while Koffa and Kamara have received permission to travel for medical reasons, the future of the Capitol Building arson trial remains in the hands of Liberia’s highest court.
