By Dudu M. Kamara
MONROVIA, June 6, (LINA) – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has investigated, charged and forwarded to court Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa and six others in connection to the arson attack on the Capitol Building in Monrovia.
Speaking Friday, June 6, 2025, at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman disclosed that the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy and many other crimes, adding that they are currently being held at the Monrovia Central Prison awaiting trial with prosecution proceeding under full adherence to due process.
According to IG Coleman, the suspects are identified as, Rep. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abu Kamara, Rep. Dixon Seboe, Rep. Jacob C. Debbie, Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias, Tom) employee of the Capitol Building, Chief of Maintenance, Office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Jerry Pokah (alias, Tyrese) resident of New Kru Town and Steven Broh Capitol Building employee assigned to maintenance.
Police IG Coleman also pointed out that investigators found out that Rep. Koffa was credibly linked to sabotage efforts dating back to November 2024 and was charged with criminal conspiracy while Rep. Kamara, Rep. Seboe, and Rep. Debbie participated in planning meetings and facilitated logistical support, they were also charged with criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy.
He further mentioned that Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom) was involved in damaging the chambers on November 10, 2024, and setting fire on December 18, 2024, and was charged with criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy and release of destructive forces.
Additionally, suspect Eric Susay stole a police firearm, physically assaulted an officer. He was charged with criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, rioting, failure to disperse, theft of property and aggravated assault.
IG Coleman also said that Steven Broh participated in the December 18 arson attack and was charged with criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy while Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese) was involved in planning and execution of the December 18 attack and was charged with criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation and criminal conspiracy.
“The destruction of the Capitol Building’s Joint Chambers represents a direct assault on the foundation of our democracy and governance. The suspects identified are currently being held at Monrovia Central Prison awaiting trial, with prosecution proceeding under full adherence to due process,” IG Coleman said.
He also noted that police findings have shown that the arson attack on the Capitol Building was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country’s hard earned peace, asserting that no individual, status or influence is above the law, adding that this case should serve as a warning not only to them, but to anyone who seeks to undermine police order, challenge the collective progress and try to exploit opportunities.
Meanwhile, Police IG urged all citizens to remain calm, peaceful and vigilant while supporting national security efforts, adding that the police will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety or the integrity of national institutions.
