MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Criminal Court “A” has approved requests by former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Bana Kamara to temporarily travel abroad for medical treatment, as legal proceedings in the Capitol Building arson case remain suspended pending a ruling from the Supreme Court.
The court’s decision grants both lawmakers relief from existing travel restrictions that were imposed as part of the ongoing criminal proceedings linked to the December 2024 Capitol fire. Court documents indicate that the lawmakers sought permission to obtain medical examinations and specialized healthcare services outside Liberia.
Representative Kamara’s application cited health concerns, including complications related to high blood pressure that reportedly worsened during his detention. Former Speaker Koffa was authorized to travel to the United States from June 15 through July 18, 2026, according to court records signed by Criminal Court “A” Clerk Hector M. Dolo.
The court emphasized that both men are expected to return to Liberia upon completion of their medical leave to continue participating in the judicial process.
The travel approvals come at a time when the high-profile Capitol arson case remains stalled by an active stay order from the Supreme Court of Liberia. The stay was issued following a petition by the defense challenging several aspects of the prosecution’s case and procedures employed during earlier hearings.
The Supreme Court is expected to review legal questions surrounding legislative immunity, due process protections, and the admissibility of digital evidence presented by state prosecutors. Until the nation’s highest court renders a decision, Criminal Court “A” is prohibited from proceeding with the substantive trial.
The case stems from the December 18, 2024 fire that destroyed significant portions of the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building during a period of intense political tensions within the House of Representatives. The incident occurred amid efforts by a bloc of lawmakers seeking to remove Koffa from the Speakership.
Following an extensive investigation, the Liberia National Police accused several opposition lawmakers of involvement in the fire, describing it as a deliberate act intended to disrupt legislative operations. Authorities estimated damages resulting from the blaze at more than US$1.8 million.
In June 2025, Koffa, Kamara, Representative Dixon Seboe, and Representative Jacob Debee were arrested and subsequently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison before securing release through a US$440,000 criminal appearance bond.
A grand jury later indicted the lawmakers on multiple charges, including arson, criminal mischief, theft of property, and terroristic threats. All defendants have denied the allegations and continue to maintain their innocence.
With the Supreme Court yet to rule on the constitutional and procedural issues raised by the defense, the future course of one of Liberia’s most politically significant criminal cases remains uncertain.
