By Precious D. Freeman
Security guard Stephen Broh has been forwarded to the Monrovia City Court on charges of arson and related offenses, following allegations that he conspired with three others to set fire to the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024.
Broh, alongside Thomas Etheridge, Amos Koffa, and John Nyanti, allegedly drove to the Capitol Building in a white JAC vehicle carrying gasoline, which was used to start the fire.
The incident caused extensive damage to the historic legislative building, estimated at $1.8 million.
During his court appearance, Broh, represented by attorney Martin J. Corlon, testified that he was previously a used-clothing seller before joining the Legislative Security Service (LSS) in late 2023.
He recounted that on the night of the arson, Etheridge stopped their vehicle near Access Bank, allowing Nyanti to enter with a bag containing gasoline.
Broh claimed that he objected to the plan, citing concerns about its legality and fearing disapproval from Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
However, he stated that he felt coerced into proceeding with the group.
The Liberia National Police had earlier forwarded Etheridge and Eric Susay to the Monrovia City Court on multiple charges, including arson, reckless burning, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, and the release of destructive forces.
Etheridge, who worked in the office of Speaker Koffa, and his alleged accomplice, Susay, remain in custody at the Monrovia Central Prison, awaiting further legal proceedings in the First Judicial Circuit Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the defendants coordinated their actions via telephone and purchased gasoline on December 17, 2024, as part of the arson plan.
The prosecution alleges that the attack followed a protest and riot at the Capitol Building, during which a police officer was severely injured.
The suspects allegedly overpowered the officer, confiscated his firearm, and used it for their own purposes.
A writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Court commands the apprehension of Etheridge, Susay, and other unnamed suspects, stating: “You are hereby commanded to ARREST the living body (ies) of Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Eric Susay, and others, to be identified, and forthwith bring them before the Monrovia City Court, Temple of Justice, Montserrado County to answer the charges.”
The charge sheet describes the defendants’ actions as unlawful, intentional, and malicious, violating several provisions of Liberia’s Penal Code, including sections related to arson, conspiracy, reckless endangerment, and illegal possession of a firearm.
The Ministry of Justice maintains that the attack was premeditated and had devastating consequences for both government property and public safety.
As legal proceedings continue, the case has sparked public outcry, with many calling for swift justice and stronger security measures at the Capitol.
Meanwhile, Broh’s defense insists that he was merely a reluctant participant, raising questions about the extent of his involvement and whether coercion played a role in his actions.
The trial, expected to unfold in the coming weeks, will determine the fate of Broh and his co-defendants, as the government seeks to hold those responsible accountable for the destruction of one of Liberia’s key institutions.
