In a riveting and highly anticipated press conference on Friday, June 6, Liberia's Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Colonel Gregory Coleman, broke his silence on the devastating arson attack that engulfed the Liberian Capitol Building in flames late last year. He described it as a "deliberate and politically motivated assault" on the very foundation of the country's democracy.
The press briefing, which was anything but routine, marked the culmination of months of intense investigations into what authorities are calling one of the most egregious attacks on state institutions since the end of Liberia's civil conflict.
"This will be a little more detailed than we would normally do in ordinary investigations," Coleman began. "This is a high-profile case. It has a lot of sensitivity attached to it and a lot of political nature surrounding it. There's a lot of disinformation that has already prejudiced it."
That same day the LNP charged five lawmakers--Representatives J. Fonati Koffa, Dixon Seboe, Abu Kamara, Priscilla Cooper, and Jacob Debee--with multiple offenses, including arson, criminal facilitation, and attempted murder. They have currently been remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison at South Beach.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Coleman stated, "This is one of the most comprehensive investigations in the department's history. The evidence points to a deliberate and calculated attempt to undermine our democracy."
According to the IG, the investigation uncovered a well-orchestrated plan to disrupt legislative operations, inflict maximum structural damage, and ignite political instability--an effort rooted in frustrations surrounding the controversial removal of former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa in late 2024.
"The arson attack on Capitol Hill was not merely an act of vandalism," Coleman declared. "It was an affront to our democratic principles, an assault on the institutions that sustain our republic, and a deliberate attempt to destabilize our hard-earned peace."
He further issued a stern warning: "No individual, regardless of their status, influence, or affiliation, is above the law... The perpetrators have been charged and will be forwarded to court. Liberia will not flourish in the shadows of disorder and indiscipline."
Inspector General Coleman provided a meticulous timeline of events leading to the attack, beginning in October 2024, when tension flared among lawmakers over the Speakership dispute. On November 10, 2024, signs of internal sabotage surfaced with evidence of vandalism in the Joint Chambers--damaged chairs, destroyed electronics, and cut wires.
"These were not isolated incidents," he said. "This was a steady escalation."
On December 10, a man identified as "Kivipa" alias "Kaba," allegedly attempted to ignite a circuit breaker panel with gasoline--a foreshadowing of the full-scale attack to come.
Coleman recounted how the suspect smuggled gasoline into the building between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. and ignited multiple floors, leading to the total destruction of the Joint Chambers.
"That blaze destroyed the dome, and that entire section of the Capitol was reduced to ashes," he stated solemnly.
The attack, he added, followed a violent December 17 protest, during which a police officer, Sergeant Amara Bility, was "mercilessly beaten and left for dead," after protestors believed they had killed him and fled with his weapon.
"They beat him to a point of unconsciousness, thinking he was dead. These were not protestors. These were criminals."
According to the LNP's report, a meeting held the same evening in the Jallah Town area finalized the arson plan and involved the alleged distribution of funds linked to Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe.
"Phone records, subpoenaed documents, and intercepted conversations confirm plans to use gasoline to set ablaze vehicles belonging to legislators," Coleman disclosed.
Several suspects, including Thomas Etheridge, reportedly made voluntary confessions during questioning. Etheridge, according to Coleman, admitted to assigning arsonists to specific areas of the building to maximize the damage.
"This was not some random outburst. It was planned, coordinated, and executed with malicious intent," he emphasized.
Eric Susay, another suspect, was allegedly intercepted while attempting to acquire gasoline and ordnance to attach to law enforcement vehicles. Evidence pointed to a "premeditated effort to destabilize government institutions."
The police chief said, although the motive stemmed from political dissatisfaction and internal legislative power struggles, the crime crossed the line into criminal sabotage and terroristic threats.
"If it were just about internal disagreements, we wouldn't have intervened. But when it escalated to violence, law enforcement had to act," Coleman explained. "This is not personal. This is not political. It's law enforcement."
He dismissed allegations that the police were serving political interests, insisting that the force's role is rooted in the law and driven by empirical evidence.
"We are not instruments of political expediency. We are guardians of national stability," he said.
Colonel Coleman revealed that the Liberian government has suffered financial losses amounting to US$8,672,653.60, all from taxpayers' money.
"In your anger, don't destroy public property," he urged. "This is the least we could do for the Liberian people--give them the truth about what happened."
He noted that over 65 individuals were brought in for questioning and that the police were able to build a "strong, evidence-based case," through phone records, video surveillance, witness testimonies, and forensic analysis.
Calling this the beginning of a new era of accountability, Coleman lauded the "unity of the joint security forces" for their diligence.
"This is one time that I am 100% proud of the capabilities of the Joint Security. There's strength in unity," he said.
He emphasized that the police will not be intimidated: "We will not be deterred by threats. We will not be silenced by intimidation. We will stand firm, defend the peace, and resolutely resist any foreign or domestic force seeking to derail our progress."
As Liberia assumes its new role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Coleman stated that domestic peace and security are now international obligations.
"Maintaining peace is no longer just a domestic concern. It is a paramount international obligation--and we do not take it lightly."
He concluded with a strong message to Liberians:
"Let us rise to the challenge. Let us build a Liberia that is safer, stronger, and more just--not just for ourselves, but for our children and the generations to come."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Due to the severity of the charges, the LNP has denied appeals by counsels for the defense for the temporary release of the detained lawmakers. This has sparked legal debates, with experts referencing Chapter 13 of the Criminal Procedure Law and Article 21(f) of the Constitution, which emphasize the presumption of innocence and due process.
The arrests have elicited mixed reactions. Matthew Nyanplu, a critic of the Boakai administration, condemned the detentions as politically motivated, stating, "The arrest and incarceration of Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and others is disgraceful showboating."
Conversely, many citizens and civil society groups have lauded the LNP's actions as a necessary step toward accountability and the preservation of democratic norms.
Inspector General Coleman reaffirmed the LNP's dedication to impartiality, stating, "There is no evidence linking this investigation to any political party. Those involved acted independently, and the evidence will determine the outcome."
He further emphasized, "We will not condone lawlessness in any form, especially in public facilities. Those conclusively linked to the act will face justice."
IG Coleman further called on citizens to remain calm, peaceful, vigilant, and supportive of the national efforts. The charges of these suspects, he said, does not end the investigation. As suspects are still being identified and new evidence discovered, new leads, other witnesses, and other suspects will be identified in the case.
He added that the Liberian National Police will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety or the integrity of the national institutions of this country.
