Liberia: 'Sad and Unexpected' - Ex-VP Taylor Visits Former Speaker Koffa, Three Lawmakers After First Night At Monrovia Central Prison

Speaker Fonati Koffa announcing his resignation

Monrovia — Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor on Sunday paid a visit to former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee, following their first night in detention at the Monrovia Central Prison. She expressed sadness over their incarceration.

After spending over an hour with the detained lawmakers, Madam Taylor told journalists that the four men were in good condition and high spirits as they prepared to face court proceedings on Monday.

"Fonati Koffa is my brother, and we just came to say hello and encourage him," she said. "He is someone who respects the rule of law, and we are hoping that the legal process takes its course."

When asked whether she had confidence in the court system, the former Vice President responded: "That is a question for Liberia. Tomorrow, when they are taken to court, we will all be watching to see what happens. But I believe this is a country governed by law."

"It is very sad--something I never expected," she added. "But again, he respects the rule of law and is complying with the process. They are in good spirits and looking forward to going to court tomorrow."

Koffa and his colleagues were jailed on Saturday by Monrovia City Court Judge Ben Barco after being charged by police with masterminding the arson attack on the Capitol Building. They have denied the allegations and are expected to appear in court on Monday.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 80 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.