Court Lifts Travel Restrictions on Koffa, Abu Kamara Amid Unresolved Capitol Arson Case

Monrovia, Liberia:Criminal Court “A” has granted temporary medical travel leave to former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Bana Kamara, allowing both lawmakers to seek medical attention abroad while legal proceedings in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case remain suspended by the Supreme Court.

The court's decision comes as the politically sensitive case continues to face delays following a stay order issued by the Supreme Court, which halted all proceedings pending a review of constitutional and procedural issues raised by the defense. The ruling means that while the criminal charges remain active, the trial itself cannot move forward until the country's highest court delivers its determination.

Court documents signed by Criminal Court “A” Clerk Hector M. Dolo show that the two lawmakers were granted permission to temporarily leave Liberia for medical purposes. Koffa has been authorized to travel to the United States between June 15 and July 18, 2026, while Kamara was also granted clearance to seek medical examinations and treatment outside the country.

Lawyers representing Representative Kamara argued that his health condition worsened following his detention, citing severe fluctuations in blood pressure that required specialized medical assessment. The court subsequently approved the request after reviewing the application and accompanying medical justifications.

The two lawmakers are among several opposition figures charged in connection with the December 18, 2024 fire that destroyed the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building, one of the most significant incidents to hit Liberia's Legislature in recent years. The blaze occurred during a bitter leadership dispute within the House of Representatives as rival factions battled over the Speakership.

Following months of investigations, the Liberia National Police concluded that the fire was not accidental and accused several lawmakers of involvement in what authorities described as a deliberate act aimed at disrupting legislative activities. Investigators estimated that the incident caused more than US$1.8 million in damage to government property.

State prosecutors later charged Koffa, Kamara, Representative Dixon Seboe and Representative Jacob Debee with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal mischief, theft of property and terroristic threats. The accused lawmakers have consistently denied wrongdoing and entered not guilty pleas to all charges brought against them.

The case took another dramatic turn when defense lawyers challenged aspects of the prosecution's evidence and questioned the legality of several lower court decisions. The matter was subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court, where arguments reportedly focus on issues including legislative immunity, due process protections and the admissibility of digital evidence relied upon by prosecutors.

With the Supreme Court's stay order still in force, the granting of medical travel leave does not affect the status of the criminal proceedings. Court records indicate that both Koffa and Kamara are expected to return to Liberia at the end of their approved travel periods and remain available to face trial once the Supreme Court decides whether the case can proceed before Criminal Court “A”.