Representative J. Fonati Koffa has taken legal action against the Bukonjedeh Group of Companies and its Chief Executive Officer, Elton Johns, filing a major lawsuit seeking $4.5 million USD in damages.
The case, filed at the Civil Law Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Montserrado County, accuses the defendants of spreading defamatory and malicious falsehoods that allegedly damaged Koffa’s reputation, professional standing, and business relationships.
According to court documents, Koffa claims the defendants made false public statements suggesting that he engaged in financial misconduct and dishonesty. These statements, the suit argues, were made with actual malice and reckless disregard for the truth and have caused severe harm to his public image both locally and internationally.
The complaint cites the landmark case Bakleh v. Greene, 14 LLR 204 (1960), which establishes that defamatory remarks considered “defamation per se” are inherently damaging and require no additional proof of harm.
Koffa alleges that Elton Johns personally made direct references intended to humiliate him and destroy his professional credibility. He further stated that he will provide video and audio recordings as evidence to back his claims.
As a result of the alleged smear campaign, Koffa says he was forced to sever ties with several local and international partners, leading to substantial financial losses. He is also accusing the defendants of inflicting emotional trauma, including stress, mental anguish, and public ridicule.
Damages Sought in the Lawsuit:
$4,000,000 USD in Special Damages – for the loss of business relationships and economic opportunities.
$500,000 USD in General Damages – for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Filed through the International Law Group, Koffa’s legal team has requested that the defendants be held jointly and severally liable, meaning each party could be responsible for the entire judgment.
The Civil Law Court has issued a Writ of Summons, requiring the defendants to appear and respond. Failure to do so could result in a default judgment in Koffa’s favor.
Given the stature of the plaintiff and the seriousness of the allegations, this lawsuit is expected to attract significant public and legal attention in the coming weeks.
It may be recalled in early August 2025, Bukonjadeh Group of Companies C.E.O. Elton Johns, alleged that former Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, is indebted to him in the mount of US$12,500, later the authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper confirmed that at no time a deal was entered into between former Speaker Koffa and the Bukonjadeh Group of Companies. However, an IPNEWS investigation revealed that the Bukonjadeh Group of Companies entered into a credit deal with a Staff of former Speaker Koffer named Henery Koffa.
In an exclusive interview on the matter, former Speaker Koffa vehemently rejected the accusation and vows to move with immediate legal action over the wrongful claims by Mr. Elton Johns and companies.
“ There has been no transaction with Bukonjedeh. It is a stupid and foolish propaganda to tarnish my hard-earned reputation. In a few days a lawsuit for defamation of character will be filed against the Bukonjedeh group of companies.
“All this is mere propaganda which comes on the backdrop after I questioned the fact that employees of capitol building including Elton who worked in the finance office were doing loan business in the building and even playing in employees accounts without their consent. I also questioned whether or not this group had a lease for the office space they were using at the capitol. Subsequently this led to the departure of Bukonjedeh from capital building. The group then started threatening members of my staff who had loan with them. You can trust me, this will not go unnoticed.” Former Speaker Koffa vowed.
Earlier on Punch FM, Bukonjadeh Group of Companies alleged that former Speaker Koffa had failed to repay a loan of $12,500 obtained from the company in 2024.
According to the company, the loan was granted during a period of political tension at the House of Representatives, but despite repeated reminders and interventions, Cllr. Koffa has yet to settle the debt.
Mr. Elton Johns, CEO of the Bukonjadeh Group of Companies, alleged that the former speaker has “deliberately refused” to honor his financial obligation.
He further disclosed that Representatives Hon Ellen A Attoh-Wreh and Dixon Sebo both personally intervened in an effort to resolve the matter, but their efforts were proven unsuccessful.
“This refusal to pay is creating a serious setback for our business operations,” Mr. Johns stated, emphasizing the impact on the company’s ability to meet other financial commitments.
Now, all eyes are on the wait to see the commencement of legal suits on both sides.-IPNEWS, Monrovia.
