Criminal Court “A” in Liberia has granted a US$500,000 property bond to six individuals accused of the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, replacing previously harsh bail conditions that had sparked public outcry and legal debate.
The defendants — Christian Kofa, John Nyanti, Eric Susay, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Stephen Broh, and Gabriel Fansieh — face a raft of felony charges, including arson, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and illegal possession of firearms.
They are accused of carrying out a coordinated and violent attack that caused significant damage to one of the country’s most symbolic institutions.
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie approved the bond on Monday, August 4, following the presentation of a property deed valued at US$6 million. The bond was secured by Randolph S. Cole and Rufina J. Cole, whose two-story building served as collateral.
The deed was presented with a valid tax clearance and Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) receipts and was facilitated by legal representative Patrick B. Coleman.
The court’s order requires the defendants to appear at all proceedings starting Tuesday, August 6 at 1:00 PM, with the sureties risking forfeiture of their assets if the accused fail to comply.
Court documents outline a case of significant complexity and severity, with prosecutors alleging the use of incendiary devices and firearms during the attack. Additional charges include aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and theft of property.
Defense attorneys maintain their clients’ innocence and argue the state has failed to provide compelling evidence linking them to the crime. They have also accused authorities of political interference and breaching due process rights.
“This is a high-profile case with serious implications,” a legal analyst observed. “Now that bail has been secured, the focus will shift to the legal arguments and evidence presented at trial.”
Preliminary motions are expected to be argued by legal teams led by Cllr. Jonathan T. Massaquoi and Cllr. Richard J. Scott.
Court Registrar Davidetta S. Davies confirmed the bond was officially recorded at 11:44 PM on July 24, ensuring adherence to court procedures.
The bond statement signed by the sureties reads: “NOW THEREFORE, WE the sureties, Randolph J. Cole and Rufina J. Cole owner of said Deed and a Two Stairs Way Building thereon, duly registered and probated and authorized by law to be surety bond, do hereby offered our property and Deed representative, assigns and successors in interest jointly and severally unto the defendants in the Amount of US$500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).
For and on behalf of the defendants) to appear, on 6th day of August, A.D. 2025 at the hour of 1:00pm for the hearing of said case to include all other succeeding hearings until the said matter is fully adjudicated and that the within defendant is hereby acquitted or guilty.”
The decision follows a wave of criticism after Judge Willie initially required each defendant to present four human sureties with verified property documents — a condition many deemed excessive and punitive. A US$6 million bond had previously been rejected under these requirements, prompting fears of a chilling effect on politically sensitive cases.
“This was an unjustified burden, especially given the lack of compelling evidence from the prosecution,” one defense lawyer commented.
With the revised bail now accepted, attention turns to the courtroom, where the next phase of this politically charged case will unfold.
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