MONROVIA – Senator Augustine S. Chea, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition, has raised concerns about the impartiality and fairness surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings against former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and four other lawmakers charged in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire at the Capitol Building.
By Obediah Johnson,obediah.johnson@frontpageafricaonline.com
The fire, which destroyed the Joint Chambers of the Capitol — the official seat of Liberia’s National Legislature —was classified by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) as arson.
Following investigations, the LNP charged Representatives J. Fonati Koffa (District 2, Grand Kru County), Abu B. Kamara (District 15, Montserrado County), Dixon Seboe (District 16, Montserrado County), Priscilla Cooper (District 5, Montserrado County), and Jacob Debee (District 3, Grand Gedeh County) with arson, criminal facilitation, and criminal conspiracy.
Four of the five accused lawmakers were detained for two nights at the Monrovia Central Prison. Only Representative Priscilla Cooper, of the ruling Unity Party (UP), was released to her lawyer, reportedly on medical grounds.
In a statement issued in Monrovia on Saturday, June 7, Senator Chea criticized the manner in which the arrests and subsequent detentions were carried out, describing them as “questionable” and potentially politically motivated.
“Why invite the accused (former Speaker Koffa et al) to the police headquarters at 9 a.m. only to hold them there until about 5 p.m. to arrest and charge them?” Senator Chea asked.
“Why was that not done as soon as they arrived and taken to the City Court for arraignment since the Grand Jury is not sitting, but waited until the courts were closed for the day? And why couldn’t that have been done even before Friday?”
According to Senator Chea, the accused lawmakers had fully cooperated with the investigation and presented themselves whenever requested. Yet, he believes their detention was not based on procedural necessity but instead an intentional act of humiliation.
“We all know that the investigation into the Capitol fire has been concluded, and that the accused availed themselves whenever they were needed,” he said. “The only logical explanation for doing that was to ensure that the accused were not taken to court where they could be bailed out or released to their lawyers or on personal recognizance. It was the plan of government to humiliate them by their detention.”
Senator Chea also expressed concern about what he described as selective treatment among the accused. He questioned why Representative Cooper, affiliated with the ruling UP, was granted bail on health grounds while Representative Kamara of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) was denied the same.
“Fonati Koffa is also sick. Of course, I’m aware that the Liberty Party’s press statement on her arrest and detention is a sham. Including her with the others is a game plan or strategy to give it a semblance of unbiasedness against the CDC Representatives—that a UP Alliance person is among the accused—and that will be made clear soon,” he asserted.
Chea speculated that the government might be planning to drop charges against Cooper in exchange for her testimony.
“It is most likely that the government would enter a plea bargaining deal with Representative Cooper or nolle prosequi her case and make her a state witness,” he added.
He stressed that such selective application of justice undermines public trust and violates the constitutional principles of due process.
“It is imperative that any criminal case, especially one involving serious allegations, is carried out with the utmost transparency, objectivity, and respect for the rights of all parties involved. The way government is handling this matter so far deviates from these fundamental principles, potentially compromising the credibility of the entire process.”
“I call for an immediate review of the procedures to ensure they align with established standards of fairness and justice. Only through a credible process can public trust be maintained and the truth be ascertained.”
The Sinoe County Senator reminded judicial authorities and the public that under Liberia’s Constitution, all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are entitled to equal protection under the law.
“Accused persons are presumed innocent until their guilt is established. They’re not convicts. All accused persons are entitled to equal treatment or equal protection, not selective treatment or protection,” he stressed.
Referencing legal precedence, Senator Chea cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Roosevelt Demann v. Republic (2023), which reaffirmed the application of Article 21 rights equally to all accused, regardless of the nature of the charges.
He also criticized the current leadership at the Ministry of Justice and the LNP, comparing them to controversial figures from Liberia’s past.
“The criminal justice system presided over by Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman is reminiscent of the 1980s, with Tweh and Coleman becoming the Jenkins Scott and Wilfred Clarke of the 21st century,” Chea declared.
Senator Chea reiterated his stance on the necessity of a fair trial process rooted in legality and constitutionalism.
“I seek nothing but a fair and impartial process grounded in the rule of law and respect for the constitutional rights of the accused. Let the law prevail over grudges and retribution,” he said.
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