Congo Town, Monrovia — Former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa launched a counterattack against the Liberia National Police just hours after his release from Monrovia Central Prison, accusing Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign to tarnish his reputation in the Capitol Building arson probe.
"The innuendos, the lies, and misstatements--they will be deconstructed," Koffa told reporters Monday at the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town. "This case is not about justice. It's political. And the Inspector General said so himself."
Koffa and three other lawmakers--Reps. Dixon Seboe, Abu Bana Kamara, and Jacob Debee--were released on bond Monday after spending two nights in detention. They had been jailed on June 7 after failing to secure a joint criminal appearance bond in the high-profile case tied to the December 2024 fire that gutted sections of the Capitol.
The police have labeled the incident a "treasonous act" aimed at destabilizing democratic governance, a characterization Koffa vehemently rejects.
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Police: Fire Was Politically Motivated Attack On Democracy
At a press conference last Friday, Police Chief Coleman alleged the fire was no accident but "a deliberate and treasonous act by individuals who sought to disrupt the core of Liberia's democratic governance for political advantage."
The investigation reportedly links the conspiracy to November 8, 2024, when Thomas Ivinsick Etheridge, then Chief of Maintenance under Speaker Koffa, allegedly took unauthorized control of the Chief Clerk's Office keys. Etheridge remains in custody and has reportedly confessed to facilitating entry into the Capitol under Koffa's orders.
Police say more than 65 people were interviewed, and evidence includes digital communications, surveillance footage, and phone records.
Serious Charges
Koffa has been charged with arson, conspiracy, criminal solicitation and facilitation, criminal mischief, attempted murder, and reckless endangerment.
Police accuse Rep. Seboe of funding the plot, while Reps. Kamara and Debee allegedly provided logistical support. Rep. Priscilla Cooper faces charges of solicitation and facilitation. Several of Koffa's former staffers have also been implicated.
One of the suspects, John Nynati--believed to be the ringleader--is currently wanted by Interpol.
George Weah Makes Surprise Visit
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Former President and CDC political leader George Weah made an unannounced appearance at the Monrovia Central Prison shortly before the lawmakers' release, in what observers viewed as a strategic show of support. He was joined by prominent former officials including ex-Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah, ex-Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, and Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County.
Audio Recording May Surface In Court
Sources close to the investigation say prosecutors may present an audio recording allegedly involving Reps. Kamara, Debee, and Koffa during the preliminary hearing scheduled for Tuesday, June 10. The content of the recording remains unknown, but its potential use underscores the state's effort to solidify its case.
Koffa maintains his innocence and insists the charges are part of a broader political vendetta.
"The courtroom will be our battleground," he said. "And the truth will speak for itself."
