The Supreme Court of Liberia has ordered an immediate stay of proceedings in the high-profile Capitol Building arson trial, freezing all lower court actions under the jurisdiction of Criminal Court “A” Resident Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie.
The halt was initiated after former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and eight co-defendants filed an emergency petition for a Writ of Prohibition.
The defense team challenged a highly controversial decision by Judge Willie to disband the trial jury panel. The prosecution had previously pushed for the jury’s dissolution due to alleged bias and misconduct.
Koffa’s legal team argued that dismantling the jury mid-trial was procedurally flawed and severely compromised the defendants’ constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial.
Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba issued the stay order, summoning Judge Willie to a chambers conference to review whether the lower court committed significant legal errors.
Background of the Arson Case
The trial centers around a devastating blaze on December 18, 2024, which gutted the joint chambers of Liberia’s legislature. The fire erupted during intense political protests and stand-offs regarding efforts to remove Koffa from his position as Speaker.
Following investigations, the Liberia National Police and state prosecutors indicted 15 individuals—including prominent opposition lawmakers from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)—on charges of arson, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and attempted murder. Prosecutors allege that the lawmakers financed and masterminded the attack, resulting in roughly $3.8 million to $8.6 million in property damage. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, maintaining that the charges are strictly politically motivated.
Current Status
The trial remains frozen and stalled while the Supreme Court reviews the procedural validity of the trial judge’s decisions. If the Supreme Court upholds the defense’s petition, it could dramatically reshape the course of the prosecution; if denied, the lower court will resume jurisdiction.
