-In Capitol Arson Investigation and Invites them for questioning.
By Jerromie S. Walters
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has identified seven lawmakers from the House of Representatives as persons of interest in the ongoing investigation into the Capitol Building arson attack.
The lawmakers include: House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Montserrado County District #9 Representative Saah Foko, Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Kamara, Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla A. Cooper, Bong County District #3 Representative J. Marvin Cole, and Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob C. Debee.
The LNP has written both the House of Representatives and the Senate, requesting the lawmakers to come in for questioning. “We respectfully request a meeting with the identified representatives at a convenient time to discuss the terms and framework of their participation in this investigation. LNP is prepared to provide any necessary support and coordinate closely with your office to ensure a smooth and effective process-” Gregory W. Coleman, Inspector General of the LNP.
In their communication, the LNP further noted, “Given the sensitive nature of this investigation and the need for transparent proceedings, we would like to inform you that we have identified members of your House as persons of interest to this ongoing investigation and will be calling them for questioning.”
The Police emphasizes, “The LNP is committed to conducting this investigation professionally to ensure that all individuals’ rights are respected. We are confident that the cooperation of the House of Representatives will significantly enhance our efforts to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.”
CDC Vows to resist arrest of their lawmakers
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has warned the government of President Joseph Boakai, labeling it a “tyrannical government” and promising to take a stand against any attempts to arrest its members.
This declaration follows reports of impending arrests of several CDC lawmakers allegedly linked to the devastating fire that ravaged Liberia’s Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.
During a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town, CDC Chairman Janga Kowo condemned the government’s actions, claiming it is using state security as a tool for political suppression.
The Arson attack
Early on Wednesday, residents of Capitol Hill and neighboring communities were jolted awake by a fierce blaze engulfing the Capitol—the seat of the Liberian Legislature. The fire rapidly intensified, wreaking havoc on the building, particularly within the Joint Chambers and adjacent areas of the Capitol’s central wing.
The destruction escalated before the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) arrived on the scene shortly after 7:00 AM. However, the LNFS, alongside the Liberia Water and Sewer Cooperation and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), successfully intervened and subdued the flames.
Many Liberians have questioned the LNP investigation, citing comments made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who seems to have predicted the investigation’s outcome before it started. [If] you have a problem you have the rule of law. We have every way in this place to be able to listen to you. We will listen to you but we are not going to accept this. We ask the Ministry of Justice [and] all of the security apparatus to investigate this matter. People who are caught, we will deal with them and we will set the tone for all other people who when they get angry they destroy… we will not allow it,” the President emphasized.
Arson confirmed
On January 8, 2025, Joint Security confirmed that the fire incident at the Capitol Building was an act of arson. Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced that there is sufficient evidence to support this determination.
Arson refers to the act of deliberately setting fire to property, whether it be buildings, vehicles, or other structures, with the intent to cause damage or destruction. “We have identified people of interest and those people have been contacted and if they fail to come forward, we will have them arrested,” Coleman stated during a press conference.
Ahead of the arson attack
Tensions deepened on October 17, 2024, when 47 members sought to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of misconduct. Following a controversial election, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was declared the “new Speaker,” a move many labeled fraudulent.
On December 13, 2024, the “Majority Bloc” of the House suspended four members under Rule 48.7(c) for violations. The suspended lawmakers are Frank Saah Foko Jr., Eugine K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, and Alex S. Noah. Their suspension lasts thirty session days, during which they will forfeit salaries and benefits. Additionally, on November 19, 2024, three more lawmakers—Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole—were suspended for one month due to misconduct. Amid these actions by the “Majority Bloc”, Koffa has maintained that he remains the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives.
