Former House Speaker Fonati Koffa along with four others face imminent indictment here as suspects of the Capitol Building arson, after spending a night at the Monrovia Central Prison. They are expected to appear in court today, after being officially charged by the government.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia June 8, 2025 – Authorities at the Liberia National Police (LNP) have revealed a list of suspects and their corresponding charges bringing the long running investigation into the December 2024 arson attack to a close.
The list includes former Speaker Koffa and four other lawmakers but excludes Unity Party backed lawmaker Priscilla Cooper of District #5, Montserrado County.
Her notable absent from the list has sparked public concern and accusations of selectivity in the report.
Of the seven lawmakers invited for interrogation, including Rep. Cooper, only Rep. Frank Saah Foko and Rep. Marvin Cole, were released of any wrongdoing.
However, in a press statement by Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman, over the weekend, the findings were described as “evidence-based and guided by law,” exposing what the LNP believes was a coordinated and politically sensitive attack on one of the country’s most important democratic institutions.
Key Suspects and Charges
Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom), Chief of Maintenance, Office of Rep. J. Fonati Koffa, allegedly damaged the chambers on November 10, 2024, and helped set the fire on December 18, 2024
His charges include 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).
Others are Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2), Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3), Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4), and Release of Destructive Forces (Chapter 15, Section 15.4).
Eric Susay, participated in the December 17 riot and December 18 fire; allegedly stole a police firearm and assaulted an officer.
Charges include all charges listed for Etheridge, plus: Rioting/Failure to Disperse (Chapter 17, Section 17.1), Theft of Property (Chapter 15, Section 15.51), and Aggravated Assault (Chapter 14, Section 14.20).
Steven Broh, Maintenance staff at the Capitol, allegedly participated directly in the December 18 attack. Charges are the same charges as Etheridge, excluding “Release of Destructive Forces”
Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese), residence of New Kru Town, was allegedly involved in planning and executing the December 18 arson. Charges are the same as Etheridge
High-Level Accusations and Political Implications
The investigation also links several lawmakers to the orchestration and financing of the attack, including Rep. J. Fonati Koffa, Rep. Dixon Seboe, and Rep. Jacob C. Debee.
Former Speaker Koffa is allegedly linked to sabotage efforts dating back to November 2024. Charged with Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4).
Rep. Abu Kamara & Rep. Jacob C. Debee, allegedly participated in planning meetings and provided logistical support. Charged with Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1), Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5), as well as Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23).
The charged lawmakers have been barred from leaving the country, pending their trial.
Their Charges also include Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1), Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2), Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3), and Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4).
The LNP noted that the deliberate destruction of the Capitol Building’s Joint Chambers was not merely an act of vandalism but a direct attack on the core of Liberia’s democratic governance.
All suspects named in the report are currently being held at Monrovia Central Prison, awaiting trial. Authorities have emphasized that legal proceedings will be conducted in full respect of constitutional rights and due process.
Inspector General Coleman called on the public to remain calm and allow justice to take its course.
“Let this serve as a clear message: the LNP will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety or the integrity of our national institutions,” the statement concluded. Editing by Jonathan Browne
