The Liberia National Police (LNP) investigation into the December 18, 2024, fire at the Capitol Building has identified seven lawmakers as individuals allegedly linked to the arson attack.
In a formal communication addressed to House Speaker Richard N. Koon, the LNP requested that Representatives Fonati Koffa, Frank Foko, Priscilla Cooper, Marvin Cole, Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, and Jacob Debee be made available for questioning. The communication emphasized the gravity of the incident and its impact on Liberia’s legislative functions and national heritage.
“We acknowledge the gravity of the recent fire incident at the Capitol Building and its profound impact on our nation’s legislative activities and heritage,” the letter stated.
The police stressed the importance of transparency and professionalism in the investigation, assuring the Speaker and the public that the process would be conducted impartially and without prejudice. The LNP also expressed confidence in the cooperation of the House of Representatives, noting that it would significantly enhance efforts to prevent future incidents of this nature.
This development follows an earlier writ of arrest issued by the Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court for several individuals, including Thomas Etheridge, Amos Kofa, and Eric Susay, who face charges related to the arson attack. The charges include arson, criminal conspiracy, solicitation, aggravated assault, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted murder.
Court documents allege that the fire, which caused $1.8 million in damages, was deliberately set following a protest at the Capitol. According to the Ministry of Justice, the defendants allegedly conspired to purchase gasoline late on December 17, 2024, and used it to ignite the building the next morning.
During the incident, a police officer, Sgt. Amara Bility was reportedly assaulted and left unconscious, with his firearm confiscated by the suspects. Investigations have also revealed telephone conversations implicating Thomas Etheridge in the planning and execution of the attack.
In court proceedings, prosecution witness Inspector Rafell A. Wilson testified that 65 individuals were initially considered persons of interest, but the investigation eventually established direct links to Etheridge and his co-defendants. Wilson further disclosed that a vehicle linked to Speaker Jonathan Koffa was identified as part of the operation.
The investigation alleges that defendant Eric Susay assaulted the police officer and later informed Etheridge of the attack, stating, “We left him lying down on the street at Jallah Town.”
Despite the arrest of Etheridge and Susay, others implicated in the case, including Amos Kofa, Stephen Broh, John Nyanti, and Grace Johnson, remain at large. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend them.
Following a petition for prohibition filed by state prosecutors against a Writ of Habeas Corpus that initially saw Etheridge released to his guarantors for medical treatment, Justice Yamie Qui-qui Gbeisay of the Supreme Court ordered his immediate return to police custody. Etheridge and Susay were subsequently remanded to jail pending further court proceedings.
The defendants, represented by Cllrs. Elisha Forkeyoh, Jonathan Massaquoi, and M. Wilkins Wright face multiple criminal charges, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, and endangering public safety. The state prosecution team, led by Solicitor General Augustine C. Fayiah and others, has pledged to ensure that justice is served.
