MONROVIA — Former House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa and several sitting lawmakers and staffers have been charged in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire that destroyed portions of the Capitol Building, according to the Liberia National Police.
The charges — which include arson, criminal facilitation, solicitation, attempted murder, and conspiracy — follow a months-long investigation into what authorities describe as a “coordinated and politically motivated” plot to cripple the Legislature. The fire resulted in more than $8.6 million in damages and severely disrupted government operations, according to a police report released Friday.
‘Deliberate and Treasonous’
At a press briefing Friday, Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman said the fire was “a deliberate and treasonous act by individuals who sought to disrupt the core of Liberia’s democratic governance for political advantage.”
The investigation traces the alleged conspiracy to November 8, 2024, when Thomas Ivinsick Etheridge, chief of maintenance under then-Speaker Koffa, reportedly seized the keys to the Chief Clerk’s Office without authorization.
Two days later, the joint chambers were vandalized. Computers were smashed, surveillance systems disabled, and electrical wiring cut. Maintenance staff initially cited an electrical malfunction, but police took over the probe and ruled out accidental causes.
No member of the opposing faction – the government-backed ‘majority bloc’ – was called for questioning by the police.
Early Arson Attempts, Surveillance Evidence
Police say the first arson attempt occurred on December 10, when two unidentified men were seen carrying plastic containers into the Capitol after hours. Investigators later identified the men as Kabah and John Nynati, alleged collaborators of Etheridge. That attempt failed, but the surveillance footage obtained became key to the case.
Jalatan Meeting and Cash Payments
According to police, the final plan was hatched on December 17 during a clandestine meeting in the Jalatan community. Investigators allege that Montserrado County District 16 Rep. Dixon Sebo disbursed cash to carry out the fire the following morning.
Also named in the plot were Montserrado County District 15 Rep. Abu Kamara, Grand Gedeh District 3 Rep. Jacob C. Debbie, and aides to the former Speaker. That same day, police sergeant Amarability was assaulted and disarmed during a protest near the Capitol allegedly linked to the suspects.
December 18 Blaze
Authorities say the fire was ignited before dawn on December 18 after janitor James Muller — who is also under investigation — opened the Capitol unusually early. By 6:30 a.m., gasoline had reportedly been poured across the third and fourth floors, and matches and lighters were used to start the blaze.
Firefighters battled the flames for hours, but not before the joint chambers, legislative archives, public address systems, and voting infrastructure were destroyed.
Suspects and Charges
Police say more than 65 individuals were questioned, with some providing confessions and others linked through phone records, surveillance, and digital evidence.
Among those charged:
- Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa: Arson, solicitation, facilitation, criminal mischief, conspiracy, attempted murder, and reckless endangerment.
- Thomas Etheridge: Confessed to unauthorized access and coordinating Capitol entry.
- Rep. Dixon Sebo: Allegedly financed and organized the plot.
- Rep. Abu Kamara and Rep. Jacob C. Debbie: Charged with conspiracy and facilitation.
- Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District 5): Charged with solicitation and facilitation.
- Stephen Brough, Eric Susie, Jerry Pokan (alias Tyrese): Accused of direct involvement in the fire and assault on law enforcement.
- John Nynati: Alleged ringleader now wanted by Interpol.
- Patience Desmond, Amos Koffa, and Ms. Grinch-Johnson: Former Speaker’s staffers implicated in the plot.
Damage Assessment and Legal Proceedings
The LNP placed the total damage at $8,672,653.60, including costs to repair structural damage, IT losses, and restoration expenses. Much of the Legislature’s archival material — including public petitions, committee reports, and official proceedings — may be permanently lost.
“This was not just an attack on a building; it was an assault on the state itself,” Col. Coleman said. “We are committed to ensuring all those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
He added that all detainees are being treated humanely and have been given access to legal counsel.
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