IPNEWS: Former Liberian House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the alleged arson attack on the Capitol Building in December 2024.
The pleas were entered in Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia on Monday, November 17, 2025, setting the stage for a full trial.
The 15 defendants include several current and former members of the House of Representatives, such as Reps. Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, and Jacob Debee.
The group faces multiple charges, including arson (a second-degree felony), criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, and recklessly endangering another person.
The not-guilty pleas mean the prosecution bears the burden of proving the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense has requested a jury trial, with jury selection scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Koffa and his legal team have vehemently dismissed the charges as unfounded and politically motivated. They argue the prosecution lacks concrete evidence like eyewitnesses or forensic proof, relying instead on call logs and recordings.
The case has generated widespread public and media attention due to the high profile of the defendants and the national significance of the incident.
Resident Judge Roosevelt Willie scheduled jury selection to begin Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., following several pretrial motions submitted by the state.
