Two More Persons Arrested As Suspects In Connection To The Capitol Building Arson Case

The flames that engulfed parts of Liberia’s Capitol Building on December 18, 2024, have revealed more than just the charred remains of legislative chambers, it has exposed what authorities believe to be a carefully orchestrated conspiracy. The Liberia National Police have taken two more suspects into custody, deepening the mystery behind what could have been a catastrophic act of arson at the heart of the nation’s democracy.

Defendants Jerry Pokah, alias Tyrese, and Kivin Bah, alias Kaba, now join Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay in a case that is sending shockwaves across the country. The two were formally charged and sent to court on Wednesday, February 5, for an extensive list of crimes including arson, criminal conspiracy, and recklessly endangering lives

A Calculated Act of Destruction

The investigation suggests this was no random act of vandalism. According to police reports, Pokah and Bah, along with several others—some still at large—allegedly planned and executed the attack with chilling precision. Their mission? To set the Capitol Building ablaze, a goal they allegedly pursued in the early hours of that fateful December morning.

It was just before dawn when Mr. James Mulbah, a worker at the Capitol, unknowingly opened the gates to destruction. As he went about his usual routine of unlocking doors, the suspects reportedly slipped inside unnoticed, dousing the 3rd and 4th floors with gasoline before striking a match and watching the flames take hold.

Confessions and Shocking Revelations

One of the arrested suspects, Jerry Pokah, reportedly cracked under interrogation, admitting to his involvement in a meeting where the plan was hatched. He claimed that a man identified as John Nyantee provided funding for the attack, just $100 to carry out an act of destruction that could have crippled Liberia’s legislative operations. Pokah said he pocketed $55 while handing over $45 to his co-accused, Kivin Bah.

The Hunt for the Masterminds

While four suspects are now in police custody, the authorities are still on the hunt for others believed to have played key roles in the arson. Among the names listed in the police report are John Nyantee, Amos Koffa, Stephen Broh, Patience Bestman, and Grace Johnson, individuals who remain elusive but are now subjects of an intensified manhunt.

With more arrests expected and the judicial process now in motion, questions linger: Who truly orchestrated this act of terror? Was it politically motivated? Or was it simply a reckless crime for a quick payout? As the case unfolds, Liberia watches closely, hoping that justice will not only be served but will also deter any future attempts to undermine the nation’s institutions.

For now, the flames have been extinguished, but the heat of this investigation is only just beginning.