Jury Selection Stalls Again in Capitol Arson Trial of Former Speaker Koffa

Monrovia, Liberia: The jury selection process in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case involving former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and four co-defendants faced renewed delays on Wednesday, November 19, after several prospective jurors failed to appear in court. The repeated absences forced Criminal Court “A” to issue contempt orders and send two jurors to the Monrovia Central Prison for refusing to show up.

So far, the court has selected 11 jurors seven on Tuesday and four more on Wednesday. But the panel is still short of the required 15 members, which include 12 regular jurors and three alternates. The slow progress has been blamed on no-shows and a high number of rejections from both prosecutors and defense lawyers.

Court records show that the defense removed six prospective jurors using peremptory challenges, while prosecutors dismissed others who admitted having connections with lawyers from either side or personal familiarity with some defendants especially Representative Dixon Seboe, whom multiple jurors said they knew from New Kru Town.

Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie said the Sheriff’s report listed five absentees on Wednesday two who failed to appear since Tuesday, November 18, and three who did not show up on Wednesday.

“In view of the fact that the panel of jurors is incomplete,” Judge Willie announced, “prospective jurors will be assembled on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to ensure that the panel is complete.”

He ordered the three new absentees to appear and show cause why they should not be held in contempt, while the two who repeatedly ignored court instructions were sent to the Monrovia Central Prison for 14 days.

The trial follows the December 2024 fire that burned significant parts of the Capitol Building, destroying key legislative offices, documents, and administrative equipment. The incident sparked national debate, with some alleging that the fire was planned to obstruct legislative oversight during a politically tense period.

Former Speaker Koffa and four co-defendants were later indicted on multiple felony charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, and economic sabotage. Prosecutors claim Koffa either played a role or helped facilitate the attack. His supporters argue the charges are politically driven.

Recent court sessions have been contentious, with defense lawyers challenging the legality of the indictment and questioning the neutrality of the prosecution. The government insists that no public official is above the law, while Judge Willie has repeatedly stated that the court will not be influenced by politics.

Concerns Over Judicial Capacity

The repeated delays caused by juror absences and frequent dismissals have raised concerns about the strength of Liberia’s jury selection system. For many observers, the integrity of the justice system now appears to be on trial alongside the defendants.

Legal analysts warn that prolonged delays could weaken public trust and create doubts about the judiciary’s ability to handle politically sensitive cases effectively.

As jury selection resumes on Thursday, November 20, all eyes are on Criminal Court “A” to see whether it can assemble a complete and impartial jury and move the Capitol Building arson case forward with transparency and fairness.