Liberia’s Former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa Charged with Arson Over Parliament Fire

Liberia’s ex-House Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa

iNewsAfrica | Monrovia Bureau | June 8, 2025

Liberia’s ex-House Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa, has been arrested and charged with arson, attempted murder, and conspiracy in connection with the December 2024 fire that engulfed the national legislature. The charges have sent shockwaves through Monrovia’s political landscape, raising concerns of deepening political tensions and questions of due process.

• Who: J. Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and four lawmakers.

• What: Charged with arson, attempted murder, conspiracy, and endangerment.

• When: Arrested and transferred to Monrovia Central Prison on June 7; fire occurred December 18, 2024.

• Why: Police allege Koffa orchestrated the legislative building fire to obstruct impeachment attempts.

• What’s Next: Awaiting court hearing scheduled for June 9 amid rising political fallout.

Monrovia, Liberia – In a stunning twist in Liberia’s legislative crisis, former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has been formally charged and remanded in prison over his alleged role in the December 2024 fire that devastated the House of Representatives chamber.

Koffa, along with four other lawmakers—Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Jacob Debee, and Priscilla Cooper—faces a litany of serious charges including arson, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and endangerment of public safety.

Liberia National Police investigators claim that the former Speaker “coordinated and facilitated” the fire as early as November 2023, using his office and aides to carry out the scheme. According to police, the arson was politically motivated, possibly linked to efforts to derail impeachment proceedings that targeted Koffa at the time.

While Priscilla Cooper was reportedly granted bail, the remaining accused were transferred to Monrovia Central Prison on June 7, pending further court proceedings on Monday, June 9.

The charges have thrown the capital into political turmoil, with critics alleging the arrests are part of a larger campaign to silence dissent. Civil society groups have raised alarms over due process violations, while the government maintains it is committed to upholding the rule of law.

“We will not allow the sacred chambers of our democracy to be desecrated without consequence,” said a justice ministry official, defending the police probe.

Koffa’s arrest follows his recent resignation as Speaker, marking a dramatic fall from power for one of the legislature’s most controversial figures.

Observers say the case could redefine political accountability in Liberia—or deepen partisan divides if mishandled.

More updates to follow as the case unfolds.