By Jerromie S: Walters
On Tuesday, April 1st. Stephen Broh, a security guard at the Capitol building, was forwarded to the Monrovia City Court on charges of arson, among others.
He is accused of conspiring with Thomas Etheridge, Amos Koffa, and John Nyanti to burn the Capitol building on December 18, 2024. According to the police, the suspects drove to the building in a white JAC vehicle, carrying gasoline, which they allegedly used to set the fire.
Represented by attorney Martin J. Corlon, Broh, testified in court that he was a former used clothes seller before joining the Legislative Security Service (LSS) in late 2023. He explained that Etheridge stopped the vehicle near Access Bank, where Nyanti entered with a bag containing gasoline.
He expressed concerns to Etheridge about the plan, fearing that Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, a legal-minded figure, would not approve. Despite his objections, Broh claimed he felt trapped in the situation as they continued toward the Capitol.
Meanwhile, Broh’s co-defendants, Etheridge and Eric Sasay, remain in custody at the Monrovia Central Prison, awaiting further legal action. The case is currently pending in the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice.
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court ruled in favor of the state in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case involving defendants Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay. In his ruling, Magistrate Barco stated, “It is the holding of this Court that the Prosecution has established a prima facie case, such that the Defendants can be held to answer further to the crimes as charged.” This decision paves the way for the case to proceed to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” for further adjudication.
The defendants are accused of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy to set fire to the Capitol Building, causing an estimated $8 million in damages. According to the prosecution’s first witness, Etheridge and Sasay allegedly purchased gasoline, which they used to ignite the blaze. The fire disrupted legislative sessions in the Joint Chambers, forcing lawmakers to look for another venue while the main chamber remains untouched.
In addition to the arson charges, the defendants are accused of assaulting a police officer during the incident. The officer was reportedly left unconscious, and his firearm was stolen. The Court says the prosecution presented corroborative testimonies from three witnesses, who detailed how the defendants and their co-conspirators gained access to the Capitol Building with the intent to disrupt the legislative proceedings.
The prosecution bolstered its case with evidence collected from the crime scene, including electronic devices allegedly linked to the defendants. Magistrate Barco noted in his ruling that “unless these species of evidence are properly rebutted, they stand tall as factual.” This evidence played a critical role in establishing the prima facie case against the defendants.
