Stephen Broh, a security guard assigned at the Capitol Building, appeared before the Monrovia City Court on Tuesday, facing serious charges of arson and conspiracy in connection with the December 18, 2024, fire at the legislative complex.
Broh, who was represented by attorney Martin J. Corlon, is accused of collaborating with three other men, Thomas Etheridge, Amos Koffa, and John Nyanti, to deliberately set the historic building ablaze. Police investigators allege that the group arrived at the Capitol in a white JAC vehicle, carrying gasoline, which was allegedly used to ignite the fire.
During his court testimony, Broh revealed that he had previously worked as a used clothes seller before joining the Legislative Security Service (LSS) in late 2023. His sudden entanglement in the high-profile case has raised questions about how he became involved in the alleged plot.
Broh recounted that on the night of the incident, Etheridge parked the vehicle near Access Bank, where Nyanti allegedly exited with a bag containing gasoline. According to Broh, he expressed reservations about the plan, particularly fearing disapproval from Hon. J. Fonati Koffa, a legal-minded official whose stance he believed would oppose such actions.
Broh’s co-defendants, Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay, remain detained at Monrovia Central Prison as the case proceeds. The charges against them include arson, criminal conspiracy, and possibly other offenses related to the destruction of government property.w
The case has drawn significant public attention, given the symbolic importance of the Capitol Building, which houses Liberia’s legislature. Authorities have yet to disclose a clear motive behind the alleged arson, leaving many citizens speculating about the possible reasons behind the attack.
The case is now pending before the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice. Legal analysts suggest that Broh’s testimony could prove pivotal, as his claims of reluctance may influence the court’s perception of his involvement.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments as investigators continue to piece together the full story behind the Capitol fire. For now, the case serves as another stark reminder of the fragility of public trust in institutions meant to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
