“These charges are lies and politics” Rep. Fonati Koffa Reacts to Charges

Congo Town, Liberia: Representative J. Fonati Koffa is speaking after being charged for the December 2024 Capitol fire. He says the case is full of “a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies, and misstatements.” He promises to fight back in court.

He was released after paying US$440,000 bond. Koffa pointed to what Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman said at a press meeting. Coleman called the case “highly political.” Koffa said:

“Did you hear the press conference of Gregory Coleman, the IG? He did say this is a highly political case. Did he not? So you don’t take the partisans’ word for it. You take the IG word for it.”

Koffa promised a strong legal fight:

“He decided to bring this case based on a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies and misstatements and in the next few weeks, as we go through the preliminary hearing, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy of what we have done.”

The charges come from a 34-page report by Coleman. It says there is strong physical and witness proof linking Koffa and four lawmakers to two events:

• Vandalism of the House chamber on November 10, 2024

• Fire in the Capitol’s Joint Chambers on December 18, 2024

At the center is Thomas “Tom” Etheridge, Koffa’s former worker. He and three others were charged with arson, trying to kill, and criminal planning. Police say it was all part of a failed plan to remove Koffa as Speaker.

Koffa and lawmakers Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Jacob Debee II, and Priscilla Cooper are charged under Chapter 10 of Liberia’s Penal Code. The charges are:

• Criminal conspiracy

• Arson (damage over $8.6 million)

• Attempted murder (since staff were trapped in the fire)

Though out on bond, the court said they can’t leave Liberia, using a Writ of Ne Exeat Republica. Their first court hearing is on June 10, 2025.

The arrests caused rare unity among Liberia’s split opposition. Former VP Jewel Howard-Taylor, ANC leader Alexander Cummings, and ALP’s Telia Urey spoke out against the arrests. Four parties ANC, CDC, MOVEE, and CMC made a joint call for the lawmakers’

“immediate and unconditional release,” warning that this shows a

“dangerous politicization of justice.”