Liberia’s former Speaker of Parliament, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and three other members of the House of Representatives have been released from prison after paying a bond of $440,000.
They face charges of arson, criminal mischief, and attempted murder in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire that destroyed the joint chambers of the legislature, valued at $8.6 million.
The lawmakers, including Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, and Jacob Debee, were detained for two nights before being released on bail. Another lawmaker, Priscilla Cooper, was also charged but not detained due to health reasons.
The court has imposed a travel ban on the accused pending the conclusion of the case.
The blaze occurred amid a long-running power struggle in Liberia’s House of Representatives, with Koffa locked in a standoff with his opponents over allegations of poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
In October, dozens of lawmakers voted for his impeachment, but it fell short of the required two-thirds majority. Koffa later resigned as speaker after months of deadlock.
The incident has raised concerns about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in Liberia.
