MONROVIA – John Nyanti, one of the prime suspects in the December 18, 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, was arrested on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and brought before the Monrovia City Court. His court appearance took an unexpected turn when he accused the Liberian government of offering him US$200,000 to falsely implicate former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in the blaze that gutted a section of the national legislature.
Speaking to judiciary reporters in a brief and often disjointed interview, Nyanti claimed that several officials, including individuals he described as connected to the Liberia National Police, had engaged him while he was on the run. “You say you have evidence, but then you want to give me two hundred thousand dollars to lie on Koffa?” he said, rejecting the alleged attempt to coerce him into fabricating testimony.
Although parts of Nyanti’s statements were incoherent and contradictory, as he at times made unrelated claims about being beaten by relatives and referenced vague threats, the central allegation that government agents attempted to bribe him was consistent throughout the exchange.
The day before his court appearance, Nyanti’s family publicly accused the government of trying to pressure him into making false claims against Koffa and three other lawmakers. According to relatives, state agents allegedly offered him US$50,000 and the promise of relocation to Europe in exchange for implicating the former Speaker in the Capitol Building fire.
Police investigators have stated that Nyanti fled through the Lugatuo border between Liberia and Ivory Coast shortly after the arson incident. His capture brings him back into the spotlight amid growing concerns about political interference in criminal investigations.
The Liberian government has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations. However, the claims have intensified public scrutiny, particularly regarding the integrity of ongoing efforts to prosecute those responsible for the Capitol fire. Critics have already questioned whether the case is being used to target political opponents of the Boakai administration.
As legal proceedings continue, Nyanti’s statements, regardless of their coherence, are likely to fuel controversy and demand further clarification from state authorities.
