IPNEWS: It remains unthinkable why was Speaker Koffa Not contacted to assist Police in its ongoing investigation of the fire which engulfed the capital building on December 18,2024 installed wrote majority bloc speaker Richard Koon who seek to replace Cllr. Fonati Koffa as legitimate speaker.
In a communication addressed to MAAJORITY BLOC Speaker Richard Koon dated January 21, 2025, under the titled “Request for engagement with persons of interest in ongoing police investigations”.
Police IG Georgy Coleman pleaded with majority bloc speaker Koon to acknowledged the gravity the recent Fire incident at the capitol Building and its profound impact on he nation’s Legislative activities and heritage’.
IG Coleman also stated that ‘as part of ongoing investigation into the unfortunate event, the LNP HAS Identified several persons of interest whose insights could be crucial to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident’.
Those named as persons of Interest are:
Hon. J. FONATI Koffa, Speaker of the House of REPRESENTATIVE; Representative Saah FOKO, representative Abu Kamara, Representative Dixon SEBOE, representative Priscilla A. COOPER, Representative Mervin COLE AND Representative Jacob C. Debee, all of the minority bloc CHALLENGING THE legitimacy of RICHARD Koon as SPEAKER OF THE House of REPRESENTATIVE WHEN THERES A LIGITIMATE SPEAKER Cllr. Johnathan Fonati Koffa.
In a swift reaction, Speaker Koffa wrote on his official FACEBOOK PAGE THAT “I understand that by communicating to the House of Representatives majority block, the Liberia National Police has invited me and others to assist in the investigation of the fire incident. “
“Since the unfortunate occurrence of this event, I have consistently cooperated and ensured the cooperation of all persons under my employ. I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event. I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation”.”
Last weekend Justice Minister refuted claims that Speaker Koffa including other Lawmakers were subject of any arrest as widely rumored.
The authoritative Independent Probe in its Wednesday, January 22, 2025 edition captioned “WHO IS ‘Concocting LIES’ TO IMPLICATE SPEAKER Fonati Koffa, Others in Capitol Fire?”detailed concerted effots by some state actors to have speaker Koffa implicated in the ongoing capitol fire incident.
It may bbe recalled over the weekend, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh dismissed social media rumors regarding an arrest warrant for House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and four other lawmakers related to the recent Capitol Building fire.
In a statement copied of which is with the authoritative independent Probe Justice Minister Tweh distance the Ministry of Justices harboring any intention to arrest or indict Speaker Koffa or any other Lawmaker in the capitol fire indicted stressing that there was no probable cause for indicting anyone other than those currently being held and are undergoing investigation.
“The media needed to help us in this. The burning down of an iconic structure such as the capitol building must be condemned by all including the media. The Media needs to assist us in this ongoing investigation and not report one-sided stories. We have not taken any action of indictment against Cllr. Koffa or anyone. Justice must be served regardless of your position or how powerful you are.” Justice Minister Tweh told IPNEWS.
Justice Minister Tweh FURTHER confirmed that there was investigation ongoing, however, denied that there were arrest ordered issued for speaker Koffa and other LAWMAKERS AS Rumored.”
“There is no arrest warrant for Speaker Koffa or any other lawmakers at this time. The investigation remains active, and if evidence establishes their involvement, they will be arrested. No one is above the law.” Justice Minister intoned.
This denial by Justice Minister Tweh follows widespread speculation Tuesday, January 22,2025, fueled by viral social media posts alleging that Speaker Koffa, along with Representatives Dixon Seboe, Marvin Cole, Saah Foko, and Abu Kamara, allegedly sponsored the Capitol fire. In light of the escalating tensions, Janga Kowo, Chairperson of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), issued a stern warning to authorities against arresting any CDC lawmakers, asserting that such actions would provoke significant backlash from the party.
The judicial process concerning the alleged arson has commenced, with Rafell A. Wilson serving as the first prosecution witness. He testified that evidence from defendant Thomas Etheridge’s phone records implicates him in the fire incident during a preliminary hearing requested by the defense. Etheridge is represented by prominent lawyers including Cllrs. Jonathan MassaquoI and M. Wilkins Wright.
Within the last two weeks, Thomas Etheridge was arrested by state security and taken to various locations where he alleged that he was beaten, tortured and made to drink urine including threats to be thrown into den of snakes at the offices of the NATIONAL security AGENCY-NSA if he did not lie to implicate speaker Koffa.
In the wake of Polic IG Communication to investigate Speaker Koffa and six other members of the minority bloc as persons of interest in the capitol fire, across Liberia and every street conner series of questuoions still linkers on the lips of ordinary people. he chairs that the majority bloc took from the burned Joint Chamar in the Capitol building, why aren’t the police questioning the so-called majority bloc about how they obtained those chairs?
How come the police hasn’t invited anyone from the majority bloc for questioning yet?
How did the chairs that were in the building before the fire, end up at City Hill?
Why aren’t the police questioning the removal of the Speaker’s and Deputy Speaker’s chairs from the Joint Chamar before the fire was extinguished?
This is a crucial element of the investigation. For it to be fair and thorough, all aspects must be examined without bias. Failing to address this issue makes the investigation seem incomplete and raises questions about its integrity.
Were the chairs removed while the Joint Chamar was still burning, or was it done beforehand?
We, the citizens, deserve to know the truth.
Firefighters on Thursday, January 23, 2025, successfully prevented what could have been the third fire outbreak at the Capitol Building after detecting smoke in the rotunda of the historic structure.
The Liberia National Fire Service attributed the incident to an electrical fault caused by a water-soaked breaker in the rotunda, which began to spark. Officials said the situation was brought under control before it escalated into a full-blown fire.
This marks the third fire-related incident at the Capitol Building in recent months. In December, a major fire engulfed the joint chamber, causing extensive damage to the facility. Following that incident, the Liberia National Police (LNP) launched an investigation and subsequently established that the fire was an arson attack.
The December fire led to multiple arrests, and police have forwarded several individuals to court in connection with the incident. The investigation also identified lawmakers as “persons of interest” in the arson attack.
In a recent communication to the House of Representatives, the LNP summoned several lawmakers for questioning regarding the ongoing investigation. Among those invited are House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Rep. Marvin Cole (District #3, Bong), Rep. Jacob Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh), Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado), Rep. Frank Saah Foko (District #9, Montserrado), Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), and Rep. Dixon Seboe (District #16, Montserrado).
The repeated fire incidents at the Capitol Building have raised concerns about safety measures and security within one of Liberia’s most important institutions. While the electrical fault in the latest incident was contained, the recurrence of such threats has drawn attention to the need for a comprehensive review of the building’s electrical and safety systems.
The public awaits further updates as the investigation into the December fire continues, and lawmakers prepare to respond to the police’s invitation for questioning.
PRIOR TO Wednesday’s letter to the Majority bloc, the CDC amidst warned strongly the Unity Party led government against any attempt to arrest lawmakers from the CDC over alleged links to the arson attack on the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.
It can be recalled that one of the suspects of in the case of the arson attack Eric Susay rebuked reports that He admitted to crime investigators that he and others planned and carried out the felonious act on the capitol at the home of embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Foffa, and other lawmakers including Representative Dixon Seboe, Marvin Cole, Frank S. Foko and Abu Kamara allegedly sponsored the arson attack.
After hearing a petition for prohibition filed by state prosecutors against a Writ of Habeas Corpus that saw one of the major suspects Thomas Etheridge released to his guarantors to seek medical treatment, the Justice In-Chambers of the Supreme Court Yamie Qui-qui Gbeisay ordered Defendant Etheridge to be turned over to his Lawyers but within minutes rearrested on orders of the Monrovia City Court at which time Magistrate Ben L. Barco sent him to jail along with suspect Eric Susay who was already in police custody awaiting court trial for the same crime.
The defendants were charged with multiple crimes ranging from Arson, Release of Destructive Forces, Reckless Burning or Explosive , Criminal Mischief, Recklessly Endangering another Person, Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Facilitation and Criminal Solicitation.
But Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the party headquarters in Congo Town, CDC Chairman Janga A. Kowo said after the “illegal” removal of embattled Speaker Koffa, the government is now targeting members from CDC.
CDC Chairman Kowo said the party will resist any attempt to arrest their lawmakers and the government should be prepared to arrest the entire party.
“The party is aware of the bogus charges and investigation conducted by Liberia National Police (LNP) and National Security Agency (NSA) with no transparency, and we challenge the government to tell the Liberian people who was minding the capitol building on December 18, 20204 before the arson attack,” CDC Chairman said.
According to him, CDC will fully resist the government’s charges against decent people’s characters that it wants to damage just to justify the illegal removal of embattled Speaker Koffa.
The CDC spokesperson further said the peace and stability of the country is in the hands of President Joseph N. Boakai and the president can decide if he wants it to progress or not.
He said CDC will be sending messages to international partners including the American Embassy, ECOWAS and others that the party has been silent and civil but not as a weakness.
Chairman Kowo said the party will be working with the CDC Legislative Caucus Chairman Senator Nathaniel F. McGill for them to boycott President Boakai’s state of the nation address on Monday, January 27, 2025.
In a related development, Civil Society Organizations Led by the Citizens Action Committee Stand in Defense of Hon. Priscilla Cooper of District 5, Montserrado Against Unfounded Allegations of Arson Attack
Monrovia, Liberia – Several civil society organizations, led by the Citizens Action Committee, have come together to strongly condemn the recent actions targeting Hon. Priscilla Cooper, Representative for District 5 in Montserrado County. According to a police report, Hon. Cooper has been listed as a person of interest in an arson attack that took place on December 18, 2025, at the Capitol Building.
Hon. Priscilla Cooper has long been recognized as one of the most reputable and dedicated members of the legislature, known for her unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and advocating for the betterment of her constituents. After conducting our investigation, we have found no evidence linking her to this incident. At no point has Hon. Cooper been involved in any unlawful activities related to the attack.
We urge the Liberian National Police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this matter, focusing on identifying the true perpetrators of the arson attack. The authorities must prioritize the search for the actual criminals responsible, rather than relying on baseless accusations that could tarnish the reputation of innocent individuals.
While we support the ongoing investigation, we find it important to emphasize that there has been no evidence presented indicating any violation of human rights or any wrongdoing on the part of Hon. Priscilla Cooper. We trust that the justice system will ensure transparency and fairness throughout this process.
We stand firmly in support of Hon. Cooper and call for a full, fair, and transparent investigation into the arson attack at the Capitol Building.
As ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India prepares to commission a 2-million-tonne capacity for advanced automotive steel at its Hazira plant by March, the spotlight turns to Liberia, where ArcelorMittal Liberia is poised for a transformative expansion under a new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
Globally, ArcelorMittal’s investments continue to drive innovation and economic growth. In India, the Hazira project, worth ₹8,500 crore, will substitute imports of high-end steel, boosting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative while positioning ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India to capture a significant share of the auto-grade steel market. Simultaneously, the company plans to expand its crude steel production from 9 to 15 million tonnes per annum with an investment exceeding ₹60,000 crore.
In Liberia, a similar story of growth and investment is unfolding. ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase Two expansion project, tied to its new MDA, represents a more than $1.2 billion commitment to the country’s development. This expansion will triple Liberia’s high-grade iron ore production from 5 to 15 and upward to 30 million tonnes annually, making it a cornerstone of Liberia’s foreign direct investment strategy.
The transformative impact of the Phase Two project extends beyond production numbers. Thousands of jobs will be created during the construction and operational phases, providing a critical economic boost for local communities. Increased job creation and investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties will directly improve living standards and foster long-term growth. At the same time, more revenues from taxes and royalties will empower the Liberian government to fund vital national priorities that can drive broader economic progress.
The expansion reinforces ArcelorMittal’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment through vocational training and capacity building.
When fully operational at a projected capacity of 30 million tonnes annually, Liberia could become Africa’s largest iron ore producer, second only to South Africa. This positions the country as a global leader in the mining sector and a preferred destination for mining investments.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has already demonstrated its reliability as a corporate partner, investing over $800 million in rebuilding Liberia’s railways and millions more in upgrading port infrastructure to post-war levels.
But, approving the new MDA in time is vital to secure these benefits and reinforce Liberia’s attractiveness as a mining destination.
The government must act decisively to approve this agreement, ensuring that Liberia continues to thrive as part of ArcelorMittal’s global growth story. This is not just about mining; it is about leveraging global investments to create a brighter and more prosperous future for Liberia.
The expansion in by ArcelorMittal is not just a boost for the government’s foreign direct investment drive, but it shows confidence in Liberia by a major global business through valuable partnership with the government and people.
Now is the time for the government to act decisively as the approval of this agreement will not only benefit ArcelorMittal but also foster economic growth, put many more Liberians to jobs, and a brighter future for Liberia.
