Ex-Liberian Speaker Arrested for Alleged Role in Capitol Fire

The Liberian Police have charged former House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa with arson following a destructive fire at the Capitol building last December. The inferno erupted amid political turmoil, just a day after protests against Koffa's planned removal from office. According to police, Koffa had been strategically involved in the incident, with their investigation leading to the detention of five other lawmakers connected to the case.

On Friday, local police announced credible evidence tying Koffa to the fire, which destroyed the legislative chambers when no lawmakers were present. This incident unfolded after Koffa faced impeachment attempts over allegations of mismanagement and corruption, with a group of lawmakers calling for his ousting. Investigators, including a US team, concluded that the fire had been set intentionally, while Koffa and others were linked to saboteur activities before the incident. The former speaker, who had denied any involvement, recently resigned amidst ongoing political strife in the House of Representatives, leading to a controversial unilateral appointment of a new speaker by opposing lawmakers.