Published: January 17, 2025
MONROVIA – Government lawyers have petitioned Supreme Court Chambers Justice Yamie Qui-qui Gbeisay to overturn Criminal Court “B” Judge Koiboi Nuta’s decision to release Thomas Ethridge, the prime suspect in the Capitol Building fire, to his guarantors for medical treatment. The prosecution argues that the ruling undermines public safety and violates judicial protocol, as Ethridge remains a flight risk and is subject to an active arrest warrant.
The legal battle stems from a Habeas Corpus petition filed by Ethridge’s lawyers, Cllrs. Elisha Forkeyoh and Jonathan Massaquoi, following his three-day detention without formal charges. Habeas Corpus is a legal mechanism that requires authorities to present a detained individual before a court to justify their detention. On January 13, Judge Nuta ruled to release Ethridge into the custody of his sureties, citing his need for urgent medical care.
Prosecution’s Argument
The Ministry of Justice, representing the state, contends that Judge Nuta overstepped his authority by permitting Ethridge’s release under the supervision of parties they claim are not neutral. Prosecutors also highlighted an active arrest warrant issued by Monrovia City Court Magistrate Ben L. Barco, emphasizing that Ethridge’s release creates a risk of flight, which could jeopardize the ongoing investigation into the December 2024 Capitol Building fire.
Prosecutors have sought a Writ of Prohibition from Justice Gbeisay to reverse Judge Nuta’s decision and prevent Ethridge from leaving state custody. They argue that allowing Ethridge to remain with his family compromises the integrity of the case and obstructs justice.
Allegations of Custodial Abuse
Ethridge, a staff member of embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, has accused security personnel of coercion and abuse during his detention. In an emotional account to his lawyers, he detailed instances of physical violence, threats, and psychological intimidation allegedly employed to extract a false confession.
“They threatened to sodomize me if I didn’t give them what they wanted,” Ethridge recounted, claiming his statements were manipulated to link him to individuals accused of arson and related protests, including Eric Susee and Amos Kofa. He vehemently denied any connection to these individuals or their alleged activities.
Susee, another person of interest, reportedly recanted his own statement, asserting it was made under duress.
The Capitol Building Fire Incident
The fire that gutted the Rotunda of the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, occurred amid escalating political tensions. The incident followed a protest at the Capitol Building and was linked to a power struggle between Representative Richard Nagbe Koon’s majority bloc and Speaker Koffa.
Inspector General of Police Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman confirmed the fire as an act of arson during a January 8, 2025, press briefing. Authorities arrested 73 individuals and identified additional persons of interest, including Ethridge, in connection to the incident. Col. Coleman cited “sufficient evidence” supporting the conclusion that the fire was deliberately set.
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