Will Justice Be Served?

By Godgift Harris

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s renewed pledge that those accused in the December 18, 2024, Capitol Building arson will “bear the full weight of the law,” has reignited public debate.

The debate, not only about accountability for the destruction of country’s foremost symbol of democracy, but also about whether justice can truly be served amid strong executive pronouncements on an ongoing court case.

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, January 26, 2026, Pres. Boakai reminded lawmakers, and the nation that the continued use of the Capitol courtyard for official gatherings was a painful reminder of a “heinous arson attack” on the Joint Chambers.

“This attack on our symbol of democracy has forced us, for the second year, to meet in this courtyard instead of the historic chamber,” Boakai cried.

He iterated that his administration remains resolute, and impartial in pursuing the matter to the core.

He assured Liberians that “anyone found guilty will bear the full weight of the law.”

The President’s remarks echoed his immediate response following the fire incident, when he visited the scene, and condemned the act as “complete banditry and gangsterism and hooliganism that threatened our democratic order.”

At the time, he vowed that “no stone will be left unturned” and instructed Justice Minister Oswald Tweh to lead a full investigation.

While many Liberians support accountability for the destruction of the Capitol, critics argue that the President’s repeated and forceful public statements risk undermining the perception of judicial independence, particularly as the case is still before the court.

The fire and the indictments

The Capitol Building was gutted by fire in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 18, 2024, just hours after a day of anti-government protests.

The blaze destroyed the historic Joint Chambers, including the Rotunda and caused extensive damage to the third floor.

Following months of investigation, a Special Grand Jury for Montserrado County indicted former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and 13 others in connection with the incident.

The indictment, filed on June 16, 2025, and unsealed in July, 2025, charges the defendants with nine criminal offenses.

The charges include arson, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, reckless endangerment and attempted murder.

Those indicted are Representatives Dixon W. Seboe of District #16, Montserrado, Abu B. Kamara of District #15, Montserrado, and Jacob C. Deebie, District #3, Grand Gedeh County, along with Kivi Bah, alias Kaba; Jerry Pokah, alias Tyrese; Stephen M. Broh.

Others include, John Nyan-Amos Koffa, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Patience Bestman, Harrilyn Grace Johnson, and Christian Koffa.

Prosecutors allege that the fire was a premeditated act linked to political tensions following Koffa’s removal as speaker of the House.

The case remains ongoing, with trial proceedings expected in the coming court term.