IG Coleman Says Persons Of Interest Have Been Invited, As Investigation Progresses
PHOTO: Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman addressing a news conference today
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia-As joint security investigation progresses into the fire that gutted the Capitol Building late last year, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory Coleman says they have established that it an arson attack.
At a news conference held at the LNP headquarter today, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, he disclosed that the December 18,2024 fire incident that engulfed the joint chambers at the Capitol building is one hundred percent arson attack.
That was the second fire incident at the Capital in many days. So far, no official statement has been released by the government on the cause of that fire. The fire struck the seat of Liberia’s Legislature amid an acrimonious and at times violent leadership few at the House of Representatives and it came less than 24 hours after a violent street protests by citizens who claimed that the rule of law was being disrespected. Big Fire Engulfing The Seat Of Liberia’s Legislature Follows Tuesday’s Bloody Street Protest – News Public Trust
IG Coleman and the head of the fire service through joint security investigation said, evidence gathered from the fire scene inside Capitol building pointing to flammable substance that were placed in various locations within the Capitol building, contrary to what the public perception of electrical faults.
According to the police IG, some individuals were arrested on the day of the incident but were later released on personal recognizance and some were signed for their lawyers.
Among the persons of interest called in for questioning after the December 18, 2024 Capitol fire was a member of the “minority bloc” supporting embattled Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Montserrado County District #9 Rep. Frank Saa Foko of the main opposition CDC party.
It is said that those same individuals who were earlier released are now persons of interest and anyone who will refuse to show up for the investigation, they will be ordered arrested.
The national Police IG, who noted that investigation into the fire incident is continuing, further added that the dark smoke seen on top of the Capitol building in the day of the incident clearly indicates that it was a touristic plan carried out on the Capitol building.
Colonel Coleman revealed that the investigation is also involved with criminal investigation which point out to facilitation, conspiracy and execution.
“We will not condone lawlessness all forms in Liberia especially on public facilities,” said the Police IG.
However, IG Coleman added that international fire experts are expected into the Country to conclude the investigation and come out with full findings.
It can be called on December 18, 2024, Liberians woke up to burning of the Capitol building creating public concerns.