The family of John N. Nyanti, a key suspect in the high-profile Capitol Building arson case, has accused the Liberian government of offering him US$50,000 and the promise of relocation to Europe in exchange for false testimony against former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three lawmakers.
At a press conference held Monday at the headquarters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), family spokesperson Madam Precelia Pyne alleged that Nyanti is being pressured to serve as a state witness through a combination of bribery, intimidation, and unlawful detention.
Allegations of Bribery and Coercion
According to Pyne, Ambassador Edward Koffa Nyanti--John's uncle and Liberia's Special Envoy for Trade and Investment--collaborated with security agencies to forcibly return Nyanti from Ghana on June 6.
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"When they brought John unknown to us, the government gave US$50,000 to Ambassador Nyanti," Pyne claimed. "He took US$2,000 and gave it to John's brother, Benedict Nyanti, to convince him to serve as a state witness."
She said the government further promised to relocate Nyanti and his immediate family to Europe if he agreed to cooperate. Refusal, she added, came with veiled threats.
Rather than accept the deal, Pyne said, Nyanti turned over the money to his family as proof of the alleged plot.
"As we speak, we have the cash in our possession," she said. "This is clear proof that the government is trying to force him to fabricate testimony."
Secret Detention and Due Process Concerns
The family also accused authorities of detaining Nyanti in secrecy for more than 11 days at Lifestyle Hotel in Paynesville--far exceeding the 48-hour constitutional limit for holding suspects without charge.
"Since June 6, they have hidden him from us and the public," Pyne said. "There's been no official word on his status, and no legal process followed."
She said her June 16 attempt to secure his release at Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters was blocked by Ambassador Nyanti, who claimed a private agreement with John.
Key Witness Under Pressure
John's sister, Linda Nyanti, said Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman is relying entirely on her brother to build a case against Cllr. Koffa, Rep. Dixon Seboe, Rep. Abu Bana Kamara, and Rep. Jacob Debee.
"All they have is John," she said. "Without his testimony, they have no real evidence."
Linda further accused CID officer Irene Johnson of issuing threats to relatives in the Borough of Kru Town.
"He's Our Hero"
"We are not afraid," Pyne said, choking back tears. "If John is guilty, let him be tried fairly in court. If not, he should be released. He's our hero -- he stood against this coercion."
Pyne cited her own experience during Liberia's civil conflicts, saying she witnessed her father's killing during the 1990 unrest and lost a brother during the April 6 fighting.
"This gives me the courage to fight for John," she said.
Call for International Intervention
The Nyanti family called on international human rights organizations, embassies, and civil society groups to investigate the case.
During the press conference, Linda Nyanti played an audio recording in which John could allegedly be heard crying and pleading for help from his family.
CDC Youth League Issues Warning
CDC Youth League Chairman Emmanuel Mulbah Johnson issued a blunt warning to the Unity Party-led government, demanding Nyanti's release and accusing the administration of coercion and illegal detention.
"John was brought into the country and held beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit without any charges," Johnson said. "We will not sit idle while our comrade is violated."
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He accused the government of fabricating evidence, intimidating witnesses, and operating a regime of political harassment.
"We're Ready to Defend Ourselves"
"No amount of teargas or security force can stop the people's resolve," Johnson declared. "We know where John is, and if he's not freed, we will move -- even if it costs our lives."
Johnson said the CDC has already written to international stakeholders documenting what he described as systemic abuse and political interference in the case.
Police Response: 'No Comment Yet'
When contacted by The Liberian Investigator, police spokesperson Cecelia G. Clarke said she could not immediately comment on the matter.
"I have not received any official information. I'll need to check at the office before I can say anything," Clarke said.
