Two Other Defendants Joined Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sesay to Capitol Building Arson Trial

Monrovia Liberia: As the investigation into the December 18, 2024 fire incident at the Capitol Building intensifies, the Liberia National Police, upon preliminary questioning have charged two additional individuals to court.

Suspects Jerry Pokah, commonly known as Tyrese and Kelvin Bah will join defendants Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay to prove their innocence as both men were formally charged and forwarded before Magistrate Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court on Wednesday. February 5, 2025.

Like Etheridge and Sesay, Pokah and Bah have criminal charges ranging from Arson, Release of Destructive Forces, Reckless Burning or Exploding, Endangering or Exploding, Criminal Mischief, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Solicitation.

The police charge sheet in our possession alleged that on December 18, 2024, at about 5:40 am, Mr. James Mulbah entered the Capitol Building compound and began opening the doors between the East and North sides. 

The police investigation further that while Mulbah was still opening other doors, the aforementioned defendants secretly gained access to the building, spilled flammable liquid believed to be gasoline on the 3rd and 4th floors, and used matches to ignite the floors.

According to the Police, defendant Jerry Pokah admitted to being part of the conspiracy to set the Capitol Building ablaze.

The police named Jallah Town, Sinkor as the venue where discussions to burn the Capitol Building were finalized. 

According to the police’s charge sheet, during the meeting, John Nyanti gave him (Pokah) and Kelvin Bah one hundred United States dollars (US$100.00). 

Pokah told police investigators that took fifty-five dollars (US$55.00) and gave forty-five dollars (US$45.00) to Kelvin Bah.