Former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has launched a fierce attack on Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, accusing him of spearheading a politically driven investigation and prosecution tied to the recent Capitol Building fire.
Speaking shortly after his release from police custody, Koffa dismissed the Liberia National Police’s case as a web of “innuendos, lies, and misstatements,” and pledged to expose the political motivations behind it.
“Did you hear the press conference of Gregory Coleman, the I.G.? He did say that this is a highly political case, did he not?” Koffa told journalists. “So, you don’t take the partisan’s word for it, you take the I.G.’s word for it. He decided to bring this case based on a basket of evidence of innuendos, lies, and misstatements.”
Koffa, who was arrested and charged over the mysterious fire that damaged parts of the Capitol Building, maintained his innocence, denouncing the charges as part of a broader political witch-hunt.
“In the next few weeks, as we go through the preliminary hearing, we will deconstruct those lies and be able to put together a defense that is worthy of what we’ve done,” he said.
Calling the legal process a “political battle,” Koffa described his release as a symbolic win. “As long as we’re in a political battle, it’s a political win,” he declared.
While Coleman has yet to issue a formal reply to Koffa’s accusations, he previously defended the police’s actions in a Facebook post, asserting that the investigation was lawful and not politically motivated.
Opposition Leaders Unite in Support of Koffa
Koffa’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension following the Capitol fire, which authorities allege was deliberately set. His statements mirror those of key opposition leaders, including former President George Weah, Alternative National Congress (ANC) leader Alexander B. Cummings, and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
These leaders had called on their supporters to gather in solidarity with Koffa and his co-defendants—Abu B. Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), Dixon W. Seboe (District #16, Montserrado), and Jacob C. Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh)—at the Temple of Justice.
Supporters turned out en masse, turning the courthouse into a show of political force. High-profile figures including Weah, Cummings, Musa Bility, and Maxwell Kemayah attended. A notable moment was the public handshake and brief chat between Weah and Cummings, observed by their aides.
The emotional highpoint came when bond was secured and the lawmakers were released from Monrovia Central Prison. Weah arrived at the facility, warmly embraced Koffa, and raised his right hand while shouting: “Amandla!” to which the crowd roared back: “Awethu!”
ANC leader Alexander B. Cummings strongly criticised what he described as “selective justice,” pointing to the detention of four lawmakers while Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper was released.
“This is about something bigger: the rule of law, due process, and fair treatment for all citizens,” Cummings said. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty—that’s a core principle of the Liberian Constitution.”
He also questioned the disparity in treatment, noting that Rep. Cooper was released quietly to her legal team, while others were detained publicly.
