MONROVIA – The Monrovia City Court has denied a motion filed by lawyers representing former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers seeking to dismiss criminal charges stemming from alleged misconduct at the Capitol Building.
By Willie N. Tokpah
The ruling, delivered on Friday, June 13, followed a week-long preliminary hearing during which both the prosecution’s evidence and the defense’s arguments were examined.
Presiding Judge Ben Barco ruled that the motion lacked sufficient legal grounds to terminate the case at this stage, thus clearing the way for the matter to proceed to trial.
“The issues raised by the defense are matters best left for a jury trial. This court finds that the prosecution has met the threshold to proceed,” Judge Barco stated in his ruling.
The case has now been certified to Criminal Court “A,” where the defendants are expected to be formally indicted in the coming days.
The charges stem from a months-long investigation into an incident at the Capitol Building involving alleged arson, obstruction of justice, and economic sabotage.
Former Speaker Koffa, along with three other lawmakers—whose names have not yet been officially released—has been accused of either orchestrating or being complicit in actions deemed criminal under Liberian law.
Prior to the preliminary hearing, Koffa was scheduled to appear before the Liberia National Police for questioning. He was subsequently arrested and detained before being released on bond along with the other defendants.
The proceedings were marked by threats of mass protest from political sympathizers, raising early concerns about potential political interference in the legal process.
Despite the heightened tension, the City Court moved forward with preliminary hearings, during which the prosecution presented what it described as prima facie evidence linking the lawmakers to the alleged offenses.
In response, the defense filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the charges were baseless and politically motivated.
After reviewing arguments from both sides, Judge Barco ruled in favor of the prosecution, forwarding the matter to Criminal Court “A” for further proceedings.
The indictment phase is expected to commence shortly.