Monrovia: The Government of Liberia (GoL) has vowed to put in rigorous measures to identify and prosecute perpetrators of the December 18, 2024 fire incident on the seat of the country’s legislature after a preliminary joint investigative report from the Liberia National Police, (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire Service, (LNFS) linked the incident to arson attack.
At a press conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman stated that the attackers used accelerant in multiple sessions of the Capitol building to set it ablaze, leaving several offices and properties, including the Joint Chambers of the house completely destroyed.
According to Inspector General Coleman, during the physical examination of the building, it was observed that the circuit breaker, which usually goes off during electrical shocks, was still active, stressing that the fire could not have been caused by any electrical shock.
“We observed from the investigation that the thick black smoke from the fire that day is consistent with an accelerant, the color of the smoke, as well,” Col. Coleman narrated
The police inspector general averred that the joint security has launched a man-hunt for those responsible for the burning of the Capitol to ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with law. He added that the LNP had already compiled a list of individuals suspected of being involved in the arson attack on the Liberian legislature.
Col. Coleman said the LNP would not hesitate to arrest anyone who will refuse to avail themselves for questioning in connection to the incident.
“We have identified people of interest in this investigation and those people of interest have been reached. We have sent a clear messages to them to come in and continue the investigation,” said col. Coleman, adding, “In the case that they do not show up, they will be arrested”.
As part of the preliminary investigation, several high profile members of the political class, including Montserrado County District #7 Representative, Frank Saah Foko were called in for questioning in connection to statements allegedly made days before the building was seen in flames.
The Liberia National Police chief narrated that those who were previously questioned and released to their lawyers, including others to be identified, would be recalled to aid the investigation. He called for collaboration in ensuring that the true perpetrators are identified and prosecuted in line with the due process.
Persons found guilty of the arson on the Capitol, as outlined in section 15.1 of the 1978 Penal Law of Liberia, risk imprisonment of about five- years, as provided for in section 50(b) of the Penal Code.
