Why Liberia is probing 9 of its top lawmakers in a major corruption scandal
Nine lawmakers have been called in for questioning over claims they accepted bribes to remove former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
The move comes months after a political standoff that raised concerns about transparency in the country’s parliament.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) says it wants the lawmakers to assist with its ongoing investigation, which could reshape how power is challenged within Liberia’s fragile democratic institutions.
Allegations first surfaced in late 2024, when lawmaker Luther Collins publicly accused colleagues of accepting $25,000 each to sign a resolution that ousted Koffa.
In a viral video, Collins and his aide were seen holding stacks of cash, claiming the money was part of a planned bribery deal.
They alleged that the campaign was orchestrated to block an internal audit of the House ordered by Koffa before his removal.
The scandal has widened since then, sparking resignations and growing calls for justice.
Some lawmakers who initially backed Koffa’s removal later withdrew their support, saying they had been misled or were unaware of the extent of the alleged corruption.
The Commission has assured it will respect due process and give lawmakers time to fulfil their duties while investigations continue.
But with mounting evidence and calls for prosecution, this case could become a landmark moment in Liberia’s efforts to root out corruption from the top levels of government.
