The Liberia National Police (LNP) has released its report on the recent fire incident that ravaged the joint chambers of the Capitol Building in Monrovia, terming it as an “arson attack”.
The LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman told a press briefing ON Wednesday, January 8, 2025 investigators have identified several persons of interest linked to the fire and have already contacted them to turn themselves in or be arrested.
However, he failed to mention the names of those persons considered suspects, creating rooms for doubts in the public sphere. “We will make public disclosures only after completing thorough security assessments,” the Police IG said.
According to him, there are empirical pieces of evidence which are chronologically connected but said, “We are so politicized in this country that it is almost impossible to believe neutrality and professionalism.”
“We have sufficient information to send a clear signal to anyone who will be detractors in this particular country that the rule of law does exist, and will stand independent to protect lives and properties of the people, and most importantly protect our democracy,” Col. Coleman said.
Police Inspector General Coleman and the head of the Liberia Fire Service through a Joint Security Investigation said evidence gathered from the fire scene inside the capitol building points to flammable substances that were placed in various locations within the capitol contrary to the public’s perception of electrical faults.
Col. Coleman said the dark smoke seen on top of the capitol on the day of the incident clearly indicates that it was a terroristic plan carried out on the building.
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 by their lawyers. He said those same individuals are now persons of interest and anyone who refuses to show up for the investigation will be arrested.
The Police Chief revealed that the investigation is also involved with criminality which points to facilitation, conspiracy and execution. “We will not condone lawlessness of all forms in Liberia, especially on public facilities,” said IG Coleman.
Meanwhile, he revealed that international fire experts are expected into the country to conclude the investigation and come out with full findings. It can be recalled on December 18, 2024, Liberians woke up to the burning of the Capitol Building creating public concerns and panic.
By T.Q. Lula Jaurey
