By Lincoln G. Peters
Lawyers representing former House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa and others have filed a motion for discovery before Criminal Court ‘A’ presiding Jude Roosevelt Willie, indicating that the prosecution has failed to produce evidence in the ongoing trial.
Defendants Koffa, Dixon W. Seboe, Abu S. Kamara, and Jacob C. Debbie were charged by the government for the crimes of conspiracy, criminal solicitation, criminal Intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm, release of destructive forces, recklessly endangering another person & theft of property. Subsequently, the defendants were arrested by the Monrovia City Court on May 16, 2025.
However, having been arrested and placed under the jurisdiction of the Monrovia City Court, they posted a valid Property Valuation Bond to secure their day-to-day appearance in Court whenever they are required to appear for trial, as required by law.
Thus, the Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco transferred the said cause of Action to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “A”, after the hearing of preliminary examination, and the said Magistrate Judge held that probable cause was established by the Prosecution consistent with the evidence adduced in court.
Following the securing of the bond, the defendants, through their lead legal representation, Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, on August 1, 2025, filed a motion for discovery in which he said that despite fulfilling all the legal requirements, the government has failed and refused to produce its evidence for the commencement of the trial.
“Notwithstanding, the Prosecution has refused and failed to produce the said evidence relied upon to charge the said Co-Movants/Co-Defendants, contrary to our practices and procedures of this jurisdiction.” The defense stated.
The defense disclosed that the sole purpose of this Motion for Discovery is consistent with the principle of notice, and to afford them the opportunity to traverse the averments as couched in the indictment, along with the evidence, and to exculpate, vindicate, or exonerate themselves from the crimes charged against them by the Prosecution, amongst other things.
“Thus, the said Co-Movants/Co-Defendants have denied ever having met with the other Co-Defendants with the intent to commit the crimes charged. More than this, the Co-Movants/Co-Defendants, having denied any knowledge of the crimes charged, therefore pray this Court for a speedy trial consistent with their fundamental rights guaranteed in the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.” They stated.
The defense further indicated that the Motion for Discovery will lead to compel the Prosecution to furnish them with all the pieces of evidence the Prosecution relied on to indict them, while submitting that it’s been more than forty-two (42) days since the Co-Movants/Co-Defendants were served with the said writ of arrest and indictment, amongst other things.
“WHEREFORE AND IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, the Co-Movants pray Your Honor and this Honorable Court to compel the Prosecution to furnish them with all the pieces of evidence it relied on to indict and prosecute them, Order a speedy trial consistent with their constitutional rights and Grant unto Co-Movants all further relief and remedies this Court may deem proper, just and legal. Respectfully Submitted.” Co-Movants/Co-Defendants by and through Their Counsel: Jonathan T. Massaquoi, Counsellor-At-Law in Association with:
Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson, Cllr. M. Wilkins Wright dated this of August, A.D. 2025,” the motion concluded.
