IPNEWS: Three fire investigators from Minnesota have arrived in Liberia to assist the national police and fire services in examining recent fire at the Capitol Building. Their expertise will be crucial in determining the cause of the blaze and ensuring a thorough and transparent inquiry.
Minnesota has a strong tradition of public service, and I am proud to see our professionals stepping up to assist an international partner during this critical moment. Their efforts will help reveal the facts and strengthen the ties between our communities.
Thank you, Mark, Jerry, and Ken Prillaman, for your commitment to safety and justice. We look forward to your findings and wish you success in your mission.
Speaker Koffa has repeatedly called for sourcing International Expertise in the Capitol Building Fire Investigation to avoid political maneuvering.
The investigation into the December 18, 2024, arson attack on Liberia’s Capitol Building has taken a troubling turn, with new revelations pointing to the possible involvement of prominent figures, including Montserrado County Representative Dixon Seboe.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) have formally charged several individuals in connection with the attack, including Kivi Bah (alias Kaba), Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese), and Thomas Isaac Etheridge.
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy, arson, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief, following a fire that caused widespread damage to the Capitol.
The attack destroyed critical sections of the Capitol, particularly within the Representative wing, where the Joint Chamber, the fourth floor, and the dome were severely damaged. The fire caused an estimated US$8.6 million in losses, with extensive destruction to government property, office equipment, and electronics.
A Well-Planned Conspiracy
According to police reports, the fire was the result of a carefully planned conspiracy. Key figures, including John Nyanti and Amos Koffa, are said to have collaborated with Bah, Pokah, and others in orchestrating the attack.
A breakthrough in the investigation came when Bah provided key testimony, revealing details of the planning process.
On December 17, 2024, Bah and Pokah reportedly met with Nyanti and Koffa in Jallah Town, where they were given funds to purchase gasoline for the attack. Nyanti, who remains at large, is believed to have coordinated the purchase and provided logistical support.
Official Involvement Under Scrutiny
As the investigation unfolds, troubling questions have emerged regarding the possible involvement of government officials. According to Bah, on December 10, 2024, he and Pokah met with Representative Dixon Seboe, who allegedly gave them US$100 for food and transportation. While the exact purpose of the meeting remains unclear, Bah’s testimony has raised concerns about the role of public officials in facilitating the attack.
In a further twist, Bah claims to have overheard a phone conversation between Nyanti and Seboe in the days leading up to the fire.
According to Bah, Nyanti had contacted Seboe to request financial support for the “operation”, and Seboe allegedly agreed to provide the funds.
Although Seboe has not been formally charged or implicated, these revelations have sparked widespread public concern.
Citizens are calling for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the potential involvement of Seboe and other public officials.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The arson attack took place early on December 18, 2024, at approximately 5:40 a.m., when James Mulbah, a Capitol staff member responsible for unlocking the building, unknowingly allowed the conspirators to enter.
Once inside, the attackers allegedly poured gasoline on the 3rd and 4th floors before setting the building ablaze, causing significant damage, particularly to the Joint Chamber and other key sections.
The attack followed an earlier failed attempt on December 10, 2024, when conspirators tried but were thwarted in their effort to ignite the Capitol. However, the successful attack on December 18 has raised serious concerns over the security of Liberia’s national institutions and the involvement of influential figures in the plot.
Many Liberians are now demanding accountability for all those involved, regardless of their political stature.
The public, along with opposition leaders and civil society groups, is calling for an independent inquiry into the potential involvement of government figures, particularly Representative Seboe.
