By Precious D. Freeman
A Preliminary Joint Investigative Report released by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has officially concluded that the devastating fire incident at the Capitol Building Joint Chamber was an act of arson.
Authorities have vowed to pursue and prosecute all individuals linked to the crime.
The report was unveiled on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, during a press conference held at the Liberian National Police Headquarters in Monrovia.
The findings were presented by Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, and Director General of the Liberia National Fire Service, G. Warsuwah Barvoul, in the presence of senior officers from both institutions.
According to IG Coleman, the investigation thoroughly examined the Capitol Building’s electrical systems, revealing that the building’s automatic circuit breaker remained functional during the fire.
This critical finding ruled out electrical malfunction as the cause of the blaze.
“At this point, we are here to officially inform the nation that we have sufficient evidence to classify the Capitol Building fire as an act of arson. The evidence points to deliberate facilitation, conspiracy, and execution,” Col. Coleman stated.
Supporting the conclusion, environmental and chemical analysis conducted by the Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) uncovered a flammable substance in a container retrieved from the scene.
The heavy black smoke and the multiple ignition points observed during the fire further supported the arson theory.
IG Coleman disclosed that several “persons of interest” have been identified, and authorities have reached out to them.
He issued a stern warning: “Those involved know themselves, and if they fail to cooperate, we will go after them. We will not tolerate such lawlessness.”
While declining to disclose specific names, he assured the public that updates would follow after consultations with the National Security Council.
Adding to the findings, Col. Barvoul, confirmed the presence of flammable substances at the scene.
He emphasized that the fire’s behavior spread in multiple directions aligned with characteristics of an arson attack, not an electrical fire.
“From our observation, flammable substances were clearly used, which caused the fire to spread rapidly. The investigation is nearing its conclusion, and we will soon release a final report,” Col. Barvoul said.
Both agencies assured the public of their commitment to delivering a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
International fire and forensic experts are expected to join the investigation to provide additional insights.
The authorities concluded by stressing the gravity of the incident, describing the arson attack on the Capitol Building as “a deeply disturbing event with significant national implications.”
The nation now awaits the final report and potential legal actions against those who would be found culpable.
