Monrovia – The Supreme Court of Liberia has ordered an immediate halt to proceedings in the high-profile Capitol Building arson trial involving former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and several co-defendants.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The stay order was issued by Associate Justice Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, presiding in Chambers, in response to a defense petition for a writ of certiorari—asking the high court to review and overturn the ruling from the lower court.
On Wednesday, Criminal Court “A” Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie denied a defense motion to exclude prosecution evidence, prompting defense lawyers to seek Supreme Court intervention.
Judge Willie ruled that the admissibility and credibility of the evidence should be determined by the trial jurors, not the court.
“It is the honest view of this Court that the evidence should be passed unto the Trial Jurors, who are the trial of facts and clothed with the legal authority to determine the genuineness of the allegations as made by the Defendants,” Judge Willie stated.
While acknowledging Liberia’s obligations under Article 10(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights—which requires that all persons deprived of liberty be treated with humanity and dignity—the judge maintained that the trial must proceed. He officially denied the motion and scheduled full proceedings to resume on Friday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m.
But the defense, led by Cllr. Wilkins Wright, argued that the evidence was obtained under duress, citing independent medical examinations conducted by Dr. Philip Zochonis Ireland of AMI Expeditionary Healthcare.
The reports, prepared in September 2024, documented blunt trauma, irregular cardiac rhythm, and psychological manifestations. Dr. Ireland concluded that these conditions were “highly consistent with the allegation of torture and ill-treatment” under the Istanbul Protocol guidelines.
Among the defendants examined were Jerry Pokah, 40, and Thomas Etheridge and Eric Susay, both 40. The doctor recommended cardiology follow-up, orthopedic and ophthalmology reviews, and urgent psychological care for PTSD.
The defense maintains that Judge Willie mishandled evidentiary issues and insists the case raises serious judicial and constitutional questions.
The defense then filed a writ of certiorari—asking the high court to review and possibly overturn the ruling from the lower court.
In a communication signed by Supreme Court Clerk Cllr. Sam Mamalu, Justice Wolokolie cited the parties to a conference scheduled for Thursday, October 2, at 3:00 p.m.
Excerpt: “By directive of Her Honor Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby cited to a conference with Her Honor on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at the hour of 3:00 p.m., in connection with the above captioned case. Meanwhile, you are ordered to stay all further proceedings and/or actions in the matter pending the outcome of the conference.”
The Capitol Building arson case has gripped national attention, as it implicates prominent political figures and carries wide political and legal ramifications.
The Supreme Court’s intervention now adds a fresh layer of uncertainty, with the October 2 conference expected to determine the next steps in the case.
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