By Yassah J. Wright
Following the conclusion of all legal formalities, all is now set for the full adjudication of the Capitol Building arson case. The case involves ex-House Speaker, Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and others, among them, three sitting lawmakers, including Abu B. Kamara, Dixson Seboe and Jacob Debee. They are being tried with nine others accused following the December 18, 2024, burning of the Capitol Building. The resumption of the case also followed the recruitment and sequestration of jurors, who are to sit and hear the case after the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by government. At Criminal Court ‘A’ hearing on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the 15 jurors selected were sequestrated in the basement of the Temple of Justice to avoid any act of manipulation. After the selection process, the clerk of Criminal Court ‘A,’ read the indictment for the jurors to understand, and go into the matter for review and discussions among themselves.
The full-scale adjudication of the case will finally commence on December 1, 2025, where state prosecutors are expected to present their evidence brought against the men in connection with the Capitol Building arson attack. Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, announced that following the holding of several conferences, the full adjudication of the case has finally been scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2025. The Capitol Building arson case is one of high profiles cases that still leave many in shock, as to why such a national asset was deliberately set ablaze, only because of political disagreement. The defendants are being charged with criminal mischief, conspiracy, solicitation, intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, theft of property, reckless endangerment, release of destructive force and illegal possession of a fire arm. The Capitol Building fire destruction is estimated at US$8.6 million. On December 18, 2024, the entire joint chamber of the Capitol Building gutted fire following months of power struggle over the Speakership of the House of Representatives. Majority members of the House of Representatives, who refused to sit under the gavel of then speaker Koffa conducted session in the joint chamber.
This led to one of the members of the minority bloc threatening to burn down the joint chambers where anti-Koffa group was conducting business. As trial officially commences on Monday, many citizens are pointing accusing fingers at Koffa, and his minority bloc for intentionally destroying the building.