Monrovia – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, has strongly refuted allegations that he received classified information from Alex D. Dolewon, a National Security Agency (NSA) employee currently facing charges for leaking sensitive intelligence.

Dolewon, 40, was arrested and is being charged with unlawful disclosure of confidential information, mishandling sensitive materials, reckless endangerment, and criminal coercion. The investigation, launched in December 2024, revealed that Dolewon allegedly shared NSA intelligence through WhatsApp, including the identities and roles of high-ranking officials.

According to the police charge sheet, Dolewon’s actions posed a significant security threat to the NSA and Liberia. Notably, he reportedly advised Speaker Koffa, his uncle, to distrust specific NSA personnel, particularly Deputy Director Steven Dolo, whom he accused of engaging in “dirty work.”

Speaker Koffa has categorically denied the claims, asserting he never received any intelligence from Dolewon. Responding to the allegations, Koffa told FrontPageAfrica: “I know this fellow. He is a runner for my sister in America. He has never given me information from the NSA, and I defy them to show any text between me and him.”

Koffa further challenged claims linking him to any prior knowledge of incidents like the December 17 fire at the Capitol Building, dismissing them as baseless.

The NSA has described Dolewon’s actions as a severe breach of protocol, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight to safeguard classified information. National security experts warn that such breaches compromise public trust and embolden adversaries, underscoring the critical importance of protecting sensitive government operations.

Dolewon has reportedly admitted to the charges, claiming mistreatment by Deputy Director Dolo. However, investigators have found no evidence to support his allegations, complicating his defense.

The controversy surrounding Dolewon’s actions has been further heightened by unverified social media rumors suggesting Speaker Koffa and three other lawmakers—Representatives J. Marvin Cole, Dixon Seboe, and Frank Saah Foko—were linked to the Capitol Building arson attack on December 18, 2024.

These rumors emerged following claims that an individual, identified as Eric Susay, confessed to participating in the attack and implicated the lawmakers as sponsors. However, authorities have stressed that the allegations remain unsubstantiated, and no arrest orders have been issued for the lawmakers.

The Capitol Building arson incident caused significant damage to the Joint Chambers of the Legislature, raising concerns about the safety of governmental institutions. While investigations are ongoing, no concrete evidence has emerged linking lawmakers to the crime.

As legal proceedings and investigations continue, these allegations highlight the complexities of maintaining trust and accountability within Liberia’s political and security landscapes.