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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: Following Magistrate Ben L. Barco’s ruling against former House Speaker Cllr Jonathan Fonati Koffa and three other lawmakers accused in the Capitol Building arson case, defense attorney Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi has strongly objected to the decision, vowing to pursue every available legal avenue as the case proceeds to a full trial.
By Benjamin Quaye Johnson benjaminqjohnson@gmail.com, Judicial Correspondent
The high-profile case, which has drawn national attention due to the status of the accused, including former Speaker of the House Jonathan Koffa and three other Lawmakers, has now been formally transferred from the Monrovia City Court to Criminal Court “A”, the court legally empowered to hear and adjudicate serious criminal matters.
Addressing judicial reporters outside the courtroom Friday, Cllr. Massaquoi reiterated a foundational legal principle: that the defendants remain innocent until proven guilty.
“The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt,” Massaquoi stated. “That burden of proof lies solely with the prosecution, and it remains with them throughout the course of this matter.”
Magistrate Barco’s preliminary ruling, which effectively allows the case to advance, has been met with procedural objections from the defense.
Massaquoi made clear that his team takes legal exception to the decision, but respects the rule of law.
“While the Magistrate has ruled at the preliminary stage, we take exception to that ruling—as is allowed under the law,” he explained. “This is part of the legal process, and we respect it.”
Massaquoi was also quick to downplay any suggestion of defeat.
“I want to emphasize that I am not disappointed. This is how the legal process works. The case does not end at the level of the City Court.”
With the case now officially transferred to Criminal Court “A”, the next phase will involve full trial proceedings, where the state must present its case in detail. Massaquoi said the defense is prepared for the challenge.
“We have a strong legal team prepared to ensure that justice is served for our clients,” he noted. “In Criminal Court ‘A’, the prosecution will be required to present all their evidence and prove their case beyond all reasonable doubt. We are confident in our defense.”
The Capitol Building arson incident, which occurred on December 18 2024, resulted in extensive damage on the Capitol building and sparked widespread public outcry.
The fire, which some allege was politically motivated, led to heightened calls for increased security and accountability within the legislature.
The four accused lawmakers, including former Speaker Koffa, have denied any wrongdoing.
Their legal team has described the charges as “politically motivated and legally unfounded,” while asserting that the investigation has lacked transparency and objectivity.
As the case now heads to trial in Criminal Court “A”, both legal teams are expected to prepare for a contentious courtroom battle that could test the limits of judicial independence and prosecutorial fairness in Liberia.
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