Gov’t to Open Evidence Phase in Capitol Arson Trial Involving Koffa and Three Lawmakers

TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia Government prosecutors are set to open their case on Monday, December 1, 2025, by presenting both oral testimony and documentary evidence in the high-stakes Capitol Building arson trial involving former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Representatives Abu B. Kamara, Jacob Debee, and Dixon Seboe, alongside several co-defendants.

The accused lawmakers pleaded not guilty on November 17, 2025, paving the way for a full jury trial before Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie. The trial, which the defendants specifically requested to be decided by a jury, marks the culmination of a lengthy legal journey that moved from the Monrovia City Court to Criminal Court “A” and finally to the Supreme Court. Jury selection concluded on November 20 following a three-day vetting process.

A special Montserrado County grand jury returned a true bill on June 16, 2025, formally charging the lawmakers and several others with arson, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, aggravated assault, theft of property, reckless endangerment, and releasing destructive forces.

Prosecutors allege the defendants planned and executed the December 17, 2024 attack on the Joint Chambers of the Legislature, which caused an estimated US$1.8 million in damage.

The case advanced to trial after Magistrate Ben L. Barco of the Monrovia City Court conducted a contentious preliminary hearing. Prosecutors relied significantly on what they called open-source evidence drawn from social media an approach the defense challenged, arguing that the material lacked authenticity and clear origin.

Despite these objections, Magistrate Barco ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. He said witness accounts aligned in key areas, portraying Rep. Dixon Seboe as the alleged mastermind behind the fire for reportedly recruiting individuals to carry out the attack and assisting their escape.

Witnesses also accused Rep. Abu B. Kamara of financing and hiring individuals described in court as “actors,” while alleging that former Speaker Koffa was aware of the plot and participated in an online chat where the conspiracy was discussed. Rep. Jacob Debee was said to have overheard conversations about the plan but failed to alert authorities a factor prosecutors argue makes him complicit.

Barco therefore ordered the case forwarded to Criminal Court “A,” stating that the state had met the standard required to hold the defendants for trial. Defense lawyers immediately excepted to the ruling and indicated plans to pursue all available legal remedies.

It remains unclear how many witnesses the prosecution intends to call when proceedings resume. During the preliminary stage, only two investigators from the Liberia National Police Crime Services Division testified.

With the trial now moving into the evidentiary phase, all eyes are on the Temple of Justice as the government begins laying out its case in one of Liberia’s most closely watched criminal proceedings.