MONROVIA- As mixed public reactions heap up between and amongst Liberians to grasp what actually happened that led to the fire outbreak at the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, following with the arrest, detention and charging to court of five sitting lawmakers, and other staff of the Capitol and some ordinary Liberians, the Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police, Gregory Coleman says the investigation was properly carried out and produced the requisite results.
Posting on his official Facebook page, IGP Coleman said following months-long thorough investigation, the Liberia National Police working in close collaboration with the Joint Security concluded its inquiry into the Capitol Building arson attack, an incident that deeply shook the country’s democratic institutions and threatened national stability.
According to him, on Friday, June 6, 2025, he addressed the nation with the findings of their investigation. “These findings are not assumptions or opinions they are based on verified evidence and guided by the law. The investigation uncovered a coordinated plan, executed with intent to destroy a national symbol and undermine the peace we all strive to preserve,” IGP Coleman disclosed.
He further stated, “Regrettably, those charged include both private citizens and sitting lawmakers. This is a difficult but necessary truth. Our duty is not to individuals or institutions but to the law and the Liberian people.
“The charges brought forward are based on provisions of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia, including arson, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. The suspects will now face legal proceedings under the authority of the courts, as is their constitutional right.”
IGP Coleman then dispelled a perceived public notion by some Liberians regarding the nature of the investigation with some believing that the investigation had political undertone. “Let me be clear: this is not a political battle. This is a matter of justice. The law does not see colors or party lines it sees facts, and it demands accountability.”
Continuing he averred, “To those circulating messages of unrest or calling for violence, be reminded that Liberia has paid a heavy price for peace. We will not allow fear, threats, or incitement to reverse our gains. The Liberia National Police remains vigilant, professional, and committed to protecting all citizens without bias or favor.”
Concluding his post the Police IG urges every Liberian regardless of affiliation to remain calm and respect the judicial process, “We are stronger when we resolve our differences through dialogue, not destruction. Liberia will not fall. Liberia will rise stronger, united, and determined to defend democracy. May peace continues to reign in our country.”
See below the Liberia National Police (LNP) findings, presented by Inspector General Gregory Coleman, identify key suspects and their respective charges based on the Revised Penal Code of Liberia.
SUSPECTS AND CHARGES:
Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom)
Position: Employee of the Capitol Building, Chief of Maintenance, Office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa Involvement: Damaged the chambers on November 10, 2024, and burned them on December 18, 2024
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Release of Destructive Forces (Chapter 15, Section 15.4)
Eric Susay
Involvement: Participated in the December 17 riot and December 18 arson attack, stole a police firearm, and assaulted an officer
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Rioting Failure to Disperse (Chapter 17, Section 17.1)
Theft of Property (Chapter 15, Section 15.51)
Aggravated Assault (Chapter 14, Section 14.20)
Steven Broh
Position: Employee of the Capitol Building, assigned to maintenance Involvement: Participated in the December 18 arson attack
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese)
Position: Resident of New Kru Town Involvement: Involved in planning and execution of the December 18 attack
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Kivi Bah (alias Kaba)
Position: Resident of New Kru Town Involvement: Attempted arson on December 10, 2024, and participated in the main attack on December 18, 2024
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
John Nyanti
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
(Other suspects listed with their charges fully intact.)
HIGH-PROFILE INVOLVEMENT:
Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa (Former Speaker of the House of Representatives)
Involvement: Coordinated sabotage efforts from November 2024, linked to obstruction of legislative processes and damage to national infrastructure
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Hon. Abu Kamara (District # 15, Montserrado County)
Involvement: Present at multiple planning meetings, facilitated logistical support
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Hon. Jacob C. Debee (District # 3, Grand Gedeh County)
Involvement: Present at planning meetings, facilitated logistical support
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Hon. Dixon W. Seboe (District # 16, Montserrado County)
Involvement: Identified through financial transactions and witness testimony as a key financier. Funds originating from his office were allegedly disbursed to conspirators during a clandestine meeting in Jallah Town on December 17, 2024, one day before the main attack. He also facilitated the escape and protection of key suspects linked to the arson investigation.
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Hon. Priscillia A. Cooper (District # 5, Montserrado County)
🔸 Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2) False Report to Law Enforcement Officials (Chapter 12, Section 12.33)
