Monrovia, Liberia – The Grand Jury for Montserrado County has handed down a sweeping indictment against former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and fourteen others for their alleged roles in a meticulously planned arson attack on Liberia’s Capitol Building.
Filed before Criminal Court “A” under the jurisdiction of Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, the indictment accuses the former Speaker and co-defendants of serious criminal offenses, including Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Mischief, Arson, and Reckless Burning or Exploding, among others. The charges stem from an alleged December 2024 plot to set ablaze the joint chambers of the National Legislature, resulting in a reported loss of US$3.78 million.
Named Defendants
The indictment lists the following individuals as defendants:
- J. Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Hon. Dixon W. Seboe
- Kivi Bah alias “Kaba”
- Jerry Pokah alias “Tyrese”
- Stephen M. Broh
- John Nyanti
- Abu B. Kamara
- Jacob C. Deebie
- Christian Kofa
- Amos Kofa
- Eric Susay
- Thomas Isaac Etheridge alias “Tom”
- Patience Bestman
- Harrilyn Grace Johnson
Others yet to be identified are also mentioned in the court documents.
Alleged Acts
According to the indictment, the plot began on the night of December 17, 2024, when the defendants allegedly conspired and coordinated plans to set fire to the Capitol. The group is said to have met at a used car parking lot across from the CONEX Gas Station on Jallah Town Road to discuss their intentions. Defendant Kevi Bah alias Kaba allegedly admitted to burning the building during interrogations.
The indictment also includes damning audio recordings in which defendants can reportedly be heard planning to target the Capitol, referencing the purchase of gasoline and the construction of petrol bombs. In one recording, Defendant Eric Susay is heard stating that he and others had overpowered and disarmed a police officer, giving the weapon to a former EPS officer. He allegedly identified the officer as Sgt. Amara Bility.
Further recordings allegedly capture Defendants Amos Koffa and Thomas Etheridge planning to use armed force to prevent law enforcement from stopping the attack. They discussed using tear gas and forcibly ejecting lawmakers from the majority bloc to deny them access to the joint chambers.
The indictment also implicates Patience Bestman and Harrilyn Grace Johnson, both reportedly affiliated with the social media operations of then-Speaker Koffa’s office. Prosecutors say the two had prior knowledge of the plot and took steps to delete or conceal digital evidence from Etheridge’s phone.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Following the indictment, the City Court of Monrovia granted criminal appearance bonds for the defendants. The Clerk of Court has since forwarded the case file to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A,” for adjudication during the August Term of Court.
Legal analysts suggest this could become one of the most high-profile trials in recent Liberian history, given the involvement of a former Speaker and multiple political actors.
Legal Charges Cited
The indictment draws on provisions of Chapter 10, Subsection 10.3 of the Penal Law of Liberia, citing offenses against public peace and national security. Among the specific charges are:
- Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (second-degree felony)
- Arson (second-degree felony)
- Criminal Mischief
- Criminal Conspiracy
- Criminal Facilitation
- Criminal Solicitation
- Release of Destructive Forces
- Reckless Burning or Exploding
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person
If convicted, the defendants face long-term imprisonment and significant fines.
Public Reaction
As of press time, there has been no formal response from the offices of former Speaker Koffa or the other defendants. The indictment has sent shockwaves through political and legal circles, raising questions about internal security at Liberia’s highest legislative institution.
This case will now proceed to trial under the supervision of Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, with pre-trial motions expected in the coming weeks.
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