By Precious D. Freeman
The Monrovia City Court has remanded two suspects to prison in connection with the December 18, 2024, arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Stipendiary Magistrate Ben L. Barco ordered the detention of Kivi Bah, alias Kaba, and Jerry Pokah, alias Tyrese, following their formal indictment on multiple charges stemming from the incident.
The charges, brought against them after a police investigation, include arson, release of destructive forces, reckless burning or exploding, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal facilitation, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation.
Similar offenses were previously filed against Thomas Etheridge and Eric Susay, who were also implicated in the attack.
According to police findings, fugitive suspect John Nyanti allegedly organized the arson plot and engaged Bah, Pokah, and others in discussions before the attack.
On the night of December 17, 2024, Nyanti reportedly met with Bah and Pokah near a used car lot in Jallah Town, where they finalized plans to set fire to the Capitol Building.
The charge sheet states that Pokah and Bah expressed financial difficulties, prompting Nyanti to arrange for a white, unmarked double-cabin pickup to deliver US$100, which Pokah shared with Bah.
Later that night, Nyanti led the suspects to the Capitol Building, where they met co-conspirators Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Amos Koffa, and others. Koffa allegedly provided more funds to Nyanti, who instructed Bah to purchase gasoline from an unknown vendor on Capitol Bypass.
Police reports indicate that in the early morning hours of December 18, 2024, Bah returned with gasoline and rejoined the group at the Capitol Building. They allegedly waited for James Mulbah, the corridor custodian of the Representatives’ wing, to unlock the building.
At approximately 5:40 a.m., as Mulbah began opening the eastern and northern doors, the conspirators reportedly snuck inside, doused the third and fourth floors with gasoline, and set them ablaze using matches.
Authorities apprehended Bah on January 23, 2025, in the St. Paul Bridge community. He was provided legal representation by Public Defender Atty. Martin Carlon of Montserrado County.
During interrogation, Bah and Pokah implicated Nyanti and others, claiming that Representative of District 16, Dixon Sebo financially backed the operation.
Bah alleged that Nyanti and an associate first invited him to the Capitol Building on December 10, 2024, where he was denied entry but remained nearby.
He further claimed that Rep. Sebo provided food and transportation money through an intermediary.
On December 17, 2024, during a protest at the Capitol Building, Bah and Pokah were allegedly approached by Nyanti, Koffa, and a security officer linked to Rep. Kofa’s office.
They were reportedly promised financial incentives for executing the attack. Bah claimed that Nyanti placed a speakerphone call to Rep. Sebo, who assured them that money would be delivered via his security detail. Shortly afterward, a white pickup arrived, and Bah and Pokah received an additional US$100.
Following the attack, Bah and Pokah allegedly demanded more money to flee the country.
However, Bah claimed he did not directly ignite the fire but was aware of the plot’s execution.
The alleged actions of the defendants violate multiple sections of Liberia’s Penal Code, including provisions on arson, endangering lives, and criminal conspiracy.
With the court ordering their remand, Bah and Pokah await further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue efforts to apprehend fugitive suspect John Nyanti and other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare to present evidence against the accused.