MONROVIA – Allegations of political coercion, unlawful detention, and human rights violations have surfaced in the high-profile investigation into the December 18, 2024 fire that devastated sections of the Liberian Capitol Building.
The claims center around John Nyanti, a key figure named in the case, who was recently returned to Liberia under disputed circumstances and is now allegedly being held under state surveillance.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of December 18, 2024, caused extensive damage to the legislative chambers of the Capitol Building in Monrovia, disrupting parliamentary operations and prompting a national security investigation.
Initial assessments suggested arson, and the incident quickly took on political overtones amid speculation about possible sabotage.
Investigators later named several prominent lawmakers as persons of interest in the case, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Representatives Dixon Seboe, Abu Bana Kamara, and Jacob Debee. All were affiliated with the then-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). The case escalated politically as calls for accountability clashed with accusations of political witch-hunting.
By January 2025, reports indicated that several individuals connected to the case had fled the country, including John Nyanti, whose role remained ambiguous but who was later identified by authorities as a potential state witness.
On June 6, 2025, Nyanti was brought back to Liberia from Ghana under what his family describes as a “deceptive and involuntary” arrangement. According to his sister and family spokesperson, Priscilla Nyanti, John had sought refuge in Ghana earlier this year due to fears for his personal safety following his alleged association with the Capitol fire.
Speaking to the media, Madam Nyanti alleged that her brother was lured back to Liberia through a deal brokered by the Liberia National Police (LNP), the National Security Agency (NSA), and a relative, Koffa Nyanti.
She said the agreement included a promise of legal immunity, a cash payment of US$50,000, and relocation to a European country—only for the family to later learn that these commitments were not fulfilled.
“John was not returned voluntarily,” Priscilla said. “He was coerced and taken directly to the Lifestyle Hotel in Thinkers Village, where he has been under constant surveillance by state security forces.”
She added that her brother was taken on June 16 to LNP headquarters and given a three-page questionnaire to assist with a possible testimony implicating lawmakers previously linked to the arson case. According to the family, John refused to comply, asserting his innocence and rejecting what they described as a “broken deal.”
“He has made it clear that he will not lie to bring others down just to fulfill a promise the government failed to honor,” Priscilla stated.
The CDC Youth League has condemned the government’s actions, calling them unconstitutional and politically motivated. During a press briefing in Monrovia, CDC Youth League Chairman Emmanuel M. Johnson said Nyanti’s detention violated Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution, which requires that any detained person be brought before a court within 48 hours.
“John Nyanti has been held for more than 12 days without charge or court appearance. This is a clear abuse of power and a threat to the integrity of our justice system,” Johnson said.
He further accused the government of using coercive tactics to extract testimony and labeled Nyanti’s return as part of a broader political agenda.
Johnson claimed that the involvement of John’s cousin, Koffa Nyanti — who has since been appointed Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment — suggested a quid pro quo.
“The appointment raises serious questions about whether government positions are being used as rewards for backdoor political arrangements,” he said.
The CDC Youth League called on the international community, human rights organizations, and diplomatic missions to launch an independent investigation into the circumstances of Nyanti’s return and alleged detention.
Repeated attempts to obtain official responses from the Ministry of Justice, NSA, and LNP were unsuccessful. LNP spokesperson Cecelia Clarke, when contacted, declined to comment, stating that she was not authorized to speak on the matter without higher-level clearance.
The ongoing controversy surrounding the Capitol arson case and the treatment of John Nyanti has raised concerns about due process, constitutional rights, and the independence of Liberia’s legal system. Critics argue that if the allegations of coercion and secret deals are true, the investigation may be tainted by political interference.
The Boakai administration, which took office pledging transparency and the rule of law, now faces mounting pressure to clarify the status of the investigation and ensure that all legal procedures are followed.
