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Startling revelation:

-Suspect Nyanti alleges bribery and coercion

A suspect in the Capitol fire case alleges here that he is being bribed and coerced by the state to testify against former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and others. 

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

Monrovia, Liberia; June 19, 2025 – One of the prime suspects in the December 18, 2024, arson attack on Liberia’s Capitol Building, John Nyanti, alleges here that he has been bribed and coerced by the state to testify against former Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.

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Suspect Nyanti was arrested and brought before Criminal Court ‘A’ in Monrovia on Wednesday, June 18.

According to an ongoing investigation by the Liberia National Police, Nyanti allegedly participated in the attack and later fled the country through Lugatuo, a border town between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, reportedly with assistance from River Gee County Representative, Dixon Seboe, also implicated in the arson attack on the Capitol.

However, while briefly addressing reporters at the court on Wednesday, June 18, Nyanti made a stunning allegation that the Liberian government offered him US$200,000 to falsely implicate former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in the crime.

“You get evidence, then you want to give me US$200,000 to lie on Koffa?” Nyanti said, visibly frustrated.

He named former Police Director, Marc Amblard, senior officers known as “106” and “103”, an unnamed ambassador, and others, as individuals who visited him at Lifestyle and Luxury Hotel along the Robertsfield Highway in Paynesville. The suspect, who may likely become a state witness, further alleged that he was held there under surveillance, and that hotel receipts bearing his name exist to prove it.

The case stems from a December 18, 2024, fire that severely damaged the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building amid heightened legislative tensions. In addition to Koffa and Rep. Seboe, Representatives Abu Kamara and Jacob Debee II have also been charged.

Charges filed by the Police and supported by Representative Priscilla Cooper, a potential state witness, include arson, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, attempted murder, criminal facilitation, and conspiracy.

On June 17, Nyanti’s family publicly condemned what they described as his unlawful arrest and forced repatriation from Ghana.

According to Madam Priscilla Nyanti, a sister and designated family spokesperson, John fled to Ghana, fearing for his safety. She disclosed that his return to Liberia on June 6, 2025, was the result of an alleged covert operation by Liberian security agents, not a voluntary decision.

“John was not returned voluntarily; he was coerced,” Madam Nyanti said. “He was taken straight to Lifestyle Hotel in Thinkers Village and held under constant surveillance by agents from the NSA and LNP.”

She further disclosed that John had agreed to return under a verbal deal that included being treated as a state witness, a US$50,000 payment (of which only $2,000 has been received), and relocation to a European country of his choice.

Madam Nyanti also pointed to the recent appointment of Koffa Nyanti, a relative and key liaison in the negotiation, as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment, describing it as part of a quid pro quo arrangement.

“This is a clear abuse of power. Our brother was used and is now being discarded,” she added.

On June 16, just ten days after his return, John was taken to the Police and given a three-page questionnaire in preparation to testify against the accused lawmakers. But to the surprise of investigators, he reportedly refused to cooperate.

“He is not a criminal. He will not lie to bring others down for a promise already broken,” his sister maintained.

She confirmed that John intends to prove his innocence in court, signaling a significant shift in the government’s prosecutorial strategy, which may have hinged on his cooperation.

The situation has sparked significant public debate and concern over the use of state security agencies in potentially politically-motivated actions. Legal experts and human rights advocates have called for a transparent, independent investigation into Nyanti’s arrest and the terms of his return to Liberia.

With the Capitol arson trial set to begin in coming weeks, Nyanti’s refusal to testify and his explosive claims could seriously undermine the case against several top lawmakers. Political analysts warn that the controversy may prompt broader calls for judicial independence, government accountability, and a reexamination of security agencies’ conduct.

For now, the Nyanti Family says they are committed to pursuing every legal avenue to protect John’s rights and demand justice and transparency. Editing by Jonathan Browne

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