Liberia: Police Charge Ex-Speaker Koffa, Others in Capitol Building Fire Incident - FrontPageAfrica

MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police has formally charged former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa with criminal facilitation, arson, and criminal conspiracy to commit arson, in connection with the December 2024 fire that engulfed a section of the Capitol Building.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

Koffa was charged on Friday following hours of interrogation. He and six other lawmakers—all members of the then-Minority Bloc—were summoned earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation.

FrontPage Africa has confirmed that Representative Jacob Debee has also been formally charged with criminal conspiracy to commit arson. In a further development, Representative Abu B. Kamara has been charged with criminal facilitation and conspiracy, reportedly based on a conversation held on December 10, 2024—just days before the Capitol fire.

Security is visibly heightened at the Liberia National Police Headquarters on Thursday. Officers blocked off access to the premises as crowds of supporters and political observers gathered. Former Speaker Koffa made a dramatic entrance, stepping out of his SUV holding a toothbrush—widely interpreted as a symbolic gesture of his readiness for potential detention.

This is a developing story. FrontPage Africa will continue to provide updates as new information emerges from Capitol Hill.