Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia City Court has issued a writ of arrest for Thomas Etheridge, Amos Kofa, Erie Susay, and others in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire that engulfed the Capitol Building in Monrovia. The defendants face multiple criminal charges, including arson, criminal conspiracy, solicitation, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted murder.
The arrests follow a conference held on January 20, 2025, between government lawyers and defense counsel before Chamber Justice Yamie Quaqua Gbeisay. During the meeting, Justice Gbeisay issued a one-hour ultimatum to government officials to produce defendant Etheridge, who was subsequently released. Shortly after, the Monrovia City Court issued arrest warrants for Etheridge, Kofa, Susay, and other co-defendants.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the defendants allegedly conspired to set the Capitol Building on fire following a protest. Investigators claim the group purchased gasoline late on December 17, 2024, and used it to ignite the building the next morning. The blaze caused an estimated $1.8 million in damages.
The charges also include allegations of a violent altercation with a police officer during the incident. Court documents reveal that the officer was knocked unconscious, and his firearm was allegedly confiscated and used by the defendants.
Authorities assert that the defendants’ actions violated multiple sections of Liberia’s Penal Law. The Monrovia City Court issued the arrest order on January 13, 2025, and law enforcement officials are actively pursuing the suspects.
The government has condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring justice is served. The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks, requiring the defendants to answer the charges.
To secure their release, the defendants’ lawyers are required to file a bond valued at $3.6 million.
