After being officially charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) for their suspected involvement in the recent arson assault at the Capitol Building, former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and four members of the House of Representatives are spending the night in police custody.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman stated that seven representatives were invited to be questioned during a press conference held at LNP Headquarters late Friday evening.
Our correspondent said, five lawmakers, including the former Speaker, are still in temporary custody, while two of the group were released.
Representatives Frank Saah Foko of Montserrado County District #9 and Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3 are among those who were released.
District #2, Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County District #16, Abu Kamara of Montserrado County District #15, Jacob Debee, and Priscilla Cooper have been charged and taken into custody.
“These people will stay overnight at the Liberia National Police Headquarters,” said Inspector General Coleman.
Coleman claims that there is proof, such as witness accounts and phone call logs, suggesting the attack was planned and intentional rather than random, an attempt to undermine not just Liberia’s democracy but also the Capitol Building.
Additional inquiries have connected prominent figures, such as Debee, Kamara, Seboe, and Koffa. They have important roles to perform,” Coleman stated.
Additionally, he claimed that Koffa carried out coordinating efforts using his official aide, only identified as Thomas, frequently quoting directives “from the chief.”
Arson, criminal mischief, criminal facilitation, and conspiracy are among the other counts against Koffa.
Political manipulation allegation
The accusations made against Koffa and his associates, meanwhile, have been characterized by critics as unfounded and politically motivated.
Under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), WE THE PEOPLE Movement, and July 17 Protest Coalition have denounced what they describe as an increasing trend of arbitrary detentions, covert arrests, and political persecution.
Concern was raised by STAND on the purported illegal arrest and extended detention of law-abiding citizens, such as Mr. Bacchus Karpeh, who was allegedly taken from his place of employment without a warrant and detained past the constitutional period without being charged.
The group went on to say that suggestions that former Speaker Koffa and other current lawmakers would be the latest targets in what seems to be a larger attempt to quell political dissent are even more concerning.
“These developments seriously harm Liberia’s credibility on the international stage, especially after its recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and raise red flags nationwide,” the group stated.
Political stalemate
Former Speaker Koffa resigned on May 13, 2025, after months of political stalemate in the House of Representatives over leadership, which lasted nearly seven months.
In his resignation letter to Madam Mildred Siryon, Chief Clerk of the House, Koffa stated, “I am constrained to tender my resignation as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Speaker, and head of the first branch of government. As you are aware, on Wednesday, April 23rd, the Supreme Court ruled in the Bill of Information that the election of Rep. Richard Koon is illegal, thereby rendering it invalid and reaffirming my legitimacy as Speaker; however, I have decided to
