-House Speaker Koffa Responds to Police Invitation for Fire Incident Investigation
By Jerromie S. Walters
A little over an hour after being identified among six other lawmakers from the House of Representatives as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation into the Capitol Building arson attack, House Speaker Cllr. J, Fonati Koffa has maintained that he is innocent of the crime.
“I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event,” Koffa noted via his official Facebook page on Thursday. Speaker Fonati Koffa confirmed that the Liberia National Police has invited him and others to assist in the investigation of a recent fire incident.
Koffa stated that he has fully cooperated with the authorities since the event occurred. He emphasized that all individuals under his employ have also been cooperative.
He urged the authorities to seek assistance from international partners to guarantee a fair and impartial investigation. “I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” he said.
Koffa and Others declared as persons of interest
In a communication to the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Liberia National Police (LNP) confirmed that it has identified seven lawmakers from the House of Representatives as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation into the Capitol Building arson attack.
The lawmakers include: House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Montserrado County District #9 Representative Saah Foko, Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Kamara, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla A. Cooper, Bong County District #3 Representative J. Marvin Cole, and Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob C. Debee.
“We respectfully request a meeting with the identified representatives at a convenient time to discuss the terms and framework of their participation in this investigation. LNP is prepared to provide any necessary support and coordinate closely with your office to ensure a smooth and effective process-” Gregory W. Coleman, Inspector General of the LNP.
The investigation came into play following an arson attack that engulfed the Capitol—the seat of the Liberian Legislature last month. On January 8, 2025, Joint Security confirmed that the fire incident at the Capitol Building was an act of arson. Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced that there is sufficient evidence to support this determination.
The attack occurred amid an impasse at the House of Representatives after 47 members commenced process (S) to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of misconduct on October 17, 2024. Following a controversial election, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was declared later the “new Speaker,” a move many labeled fraudulent.
