The House of Representatives received an official letter from the Liberia National Police (LNP) requesting the attendance of several members of the house who have been designated as “persons of interest” regarding last year’s Capitol Building fire.
Among those called are Representatives Dixon Seboe, Marvin Cole, Frank Foko, Precilla Cooper, Abu Kamara, and the embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Public speculation surrounding the fire event prompted this action from the LNP. The police previously denied reports of a planned arrest of the politicians for their alleged involvement in the Capitol Building arson.
Various groups in Liberia have demanded accountability for the incident, which caused significant damage to parts of the historic William R. Tolbert Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building. The police’s request for the legislators to appear marks a crucial phase in the investigation as officials attempt to uncover the facts surrounding the event.
The House has acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman and stated that its leadership intends to cooperate with the relevant legislators. The response of the legislators to this summons and the potential consequences for that august body remain uncertain as the situation unfolds.
What happens?
On December 18, 2024, a fire gutted the joint chambers of the capitol building, causing extensive damage to the entire area. The police launched an investigation into the incident, and several persons of interest were called in for questioning. At least three individuals were indicted by the court in Monrovia, with one person admitting to committing the crime, which implicates seven lawmakers in sponsoring those responsible.
