Africa-Press – Liberia. Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has approved a US$500,000 property bond for six defendants accused of orchestrating the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, replacing previously stringent bail conditions that had drawn heavy criticism.
The defendants—Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Stephen Broh, and Gabriel Fansieh—face multiple felony charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms.
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie signed off on the bond on Monday, August 4, following the legal presentation of a property deed valued at US$6 million. The bond was secured by sureties Randolph S. Cole and Rufina J. Cole, represented by Patrick B. Coleman, who offered a two-story building with a valid deed, current tax clearance, and Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) receipts.
Court documents stipulate that the bond guarantees the defendants’ appearance in court beginning Tuesday, August 6 at 1:00 PM, and for all subsequent proceedings until the case is fully adjudicated. The sureties have committed their assets should the defendants abscond or fail to comply with court orders.
The charges stem from a coordinated attack that authorities say caused extensive damage to the Capitol Building. Prosecutors allege the group used incendiary devices and firearms, and conspired with unknown accomplices in a politically motivated act of destruction. Additional charges include criminal mischief, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and theft of property.
Defense lawyers maintain the accused are innocent, arguing that no direct evidence links them to the attack. They have also alleged political interference and violations of due process.
“This is a high-profile case with serious implications,” one legal observer noted. “Now that bail has been secured, the focus will shift to the legal arguments and evidence presented at trial.”
Legal teams led by Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi and Cllr. Richard J. Scott are expected to argue preliminary motions during the next hearing.
Court Registrar Davidetta S. Davies officially logged the bond approval at 11:44 PM on July 24, ensuring procedural compliance.
Backlash Over Initial Bail Conditions
Last week, Judge Willie came under intense scrutiny after imposing what defense lawyers called “excessive” and “punitive” bail requirements. The initial ruling mandated four human sureties per defendant, each with verified property ownership—an escalation from the customary two.
“This was an unjustified burden, especially given the lack of compelling evidence from the prosecution,” a defense lawyer said.
The defense team had originally submitted a US$6 million bond, which the court rejected under the previous terms. Critics warned that such harsh conditions could set a troubling precedent for politically sensitive prosecutions in Liberia.
“NOW THEREFORE, WE the sureties, Randolph J. Cole and Rufina J. Cole owner of said Deed and a Two Stairs Way Building thereon, duly registered and probated and authorized by law to be surety bond, do hereby offered our property and Deed representative, assigns and successors in interest jointly and severally unto the defendants in the Amount of US$500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars). For and on behalf of the defendants) to appear, on 6th day of August, A.D. 2025 at the hour of 1:00pm for the hearing of said case to include all other succeeding hearings until the said matter is fully adjudicated and that the within defendant is hereby acquitted or guilty.” – Randolph J. Cole and Rufina J. Cole, sureties
The case continues to attract national attention, with the next hearing scheduled for August 6.
How did we get here?
On December 18, 2024, a section of Liberia’s Capitol Building—home to the National Legislature—was engulfed in flames in what authorities have described as a deliberate act of arson. The incident occurred during heightened political tensions.
The fire caused significant damage to the Capitol Building dome and joint chamber as emergency responders battled the blaze for hours,
Following a months-long investigation, the Liberia National Police arrested several suspects: Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Stephen Broh, and Gabriel Fansieh. Authorities claimed the men acted in coordination with several top lawmakers. The defendants were later indicted by the Ministry of Justice on multiple charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy and attempted murder.
Critics have raised concerns about due process, alleging that some arrests were based on unverified intelligence and weak evidence. Defense attorneys have maintained their clients’ innocence and argue that the charges are politically driven.
The case, now before Criminal Court “A”, is seen as a major test of the judicial system’s independence and the government’s commitment to transparency and justice. The trial is ongoing, with the next court appearance scheduled for August 6, 2025.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
