Africa-Press – Liberia. Four lawmakers facing multiple charges in connection with the December 8, 2024, arson attack on Capitol have been released from prison on a US$440,000 property bond.
Amid three days of pretrial detention, former Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa and three of his colleague lawmakers have finally escaped jail following the granting of a US$ Four Hundred and Forty Thousand United States Dollars ($440,000) property bond filed by their legal representation.
The US$440,000 property bond was granted by the presiding Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, L. Ben Bacon on Monday, June 9, 2025, following heated argument.
The defendants were charged and indicted by the state for the crimes of arson, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, criminal intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, release of distribution of forces and theft of property, in connection with the burning of the Capitol Building.
Over the weekend, the lawmakers were invited by the Liberian National Police for questioning and immediately detained following release of investigative report into the Capitol Building fire incident which linked them to the crimes based on jailed defendants’ testimonies and digital recording evidence, Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman told a press conference.
The lawmakers’ legal team in their property bond filed 8:30 A.M on Monday, pleaded with the court to release the defendants; while vowing to ensure they are brought before the court when required to face trial.
“The defendants are freeholders and householders within the Republic of Liberia, do hereby bind ourselves, legal representatives, assign and successors in interest, jointly and severally, unto the said defendants Dixon W. Seboe, Abu B. Kamara, J. Fonati Koffa, and Jacob C. Debbie of the City of Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, herein, in the amount of US$440,000) (United States Dollars Four Hundred Forty Thousand). The Condition of the Bond that the Defendants will appear before the Monrovia City Court, Temple of Justice, Republic of Liberia as and when required, until the case may be removed, to answer to the changes”, the bond reads.
Accordingly, the lawmakers’ legal representation further states that Jonda Janet Koffa and Marjan Mona Koffa are owners of the properties herein offered as Security for said criminal appearance bond.
“The defendants will appear before this court to answer to the charges of arson, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, criminal intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, release of distribution of forces and theft of property, and will remain under the jurisdiction of the said court until duly discharged, and if convicted of said charge, will surrender ourselves unto the custody of the Sheriff of said Court to undergo the full sentence of the law”, they committed.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
