The Liberia National Police (LNP) has concluded its investigation into the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building in Monrovia. In a press briefing held by Inspector General Gregory Coleman, a comprehensive list of suspects was released, including several Capitol staffers and prominent lawmakers. However, glaring omissions in the official report, specifically the absence of Hon. Priscilla Cooper and Hon. Dixon Seboe’s names and charges, have ignited fresh controversy surrounding the transparency of the case.
SUSPECTS AND CHARGES
Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom)
▫ Chief of Maintenance, Office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa
▫ Allegedly damaged the Joint Chambers on November 10, 2024, and set it ablaze on December 18, 2024
Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
• Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
• Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
• Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
• Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
• Release of Destructive Forces (Chapter 15, Section 15.4)
Eric Susay
▫ Participated in the December 17 riot and the December 18 arson
▫ Allegedly stole a police firearm and assaulted an officer
Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
• Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
• Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
• Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
• Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
• Rioting: Failure to Disperse (Chapter 17, Section 17.1)
• Theft of Property (Chapter 15, Section 15.51)
• Aggravated Assault (Chapter 14, Section 14.20)
Steven Broh
▫ Maintenance staffer at the Capitol Building
▫ Participated in the December 18 arson
Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
• Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
• Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
• Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
• Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Jerry Pokah (alias Tyrese)
▫ Resident of New Kru Town
▫ Allegedly planned and participated in the December 18 attack
Charged under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia:
• Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
• Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
• Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
• Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
HIGH-PROFILE INVOLVEMENT
Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa
▫ Former Speaker of the House
▫ Linked to sabotage efforts dating back to November 2024
Charged:
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
Hon. Abu Kamara & Hon. Jacob C. Debee
▫ Accused of planning and logistical facilitation
Charged:
• Arson (Chapter 15, Section 15.1)
• Criminal Mischief (Chapter 15, Section 15.5)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Chapter 14, Section 14.23)
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder (Chapter 10, Section 10.1)
• Criminal Facilitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.2)
• Criminal Solicitation (Chapter 10, Section 10.3)
• Criminal Conspiracy (Chapter 10, Section 10.4)
OMMISSIONS AND PUBLIC OUTCRY
Though she was earlier reported to be in police custody, Representative Priscilla Cooper was reportedly released into the care of her legal team after collapsing behind bars. According to LNP sources, she is expected to return on Monday to face further questioning. Despite this, her name and any formal charges were entirely absent from the official LNP statement posted on Facebook. Similarly, Hon. Dixon Seboe, who has been linked to planning activities through independent reports, was not named or charged in the final release. The LNP has not offered any explanation regarding the omission of these two individuals.
The inconsistency has led to mounting public suspicion, with some accusing authorities of selectively shielding political elites while aggressively prosecuting lower-level staff and citizens. Civil society groups and legal observers have called for full disclosure and equal treatment under the law.
CONCLUSION
The destruction of the Capitol Building’s Joint Chambers was a symbolic and physical attack on Liberia’s democratic institutions. While the LNP has moved swiftly to identify and charge several suspects, questions surrounding transparency and impartiality continue to cloud the case. All named individuals are currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial, except Representative Cooper, whose temporary release raises further scrutiny over how justice is being administered. The LNP is urging the public to remain peaceful and allow the law to take its course.
