“Gov’t Gave Me $200K to Lie on Koffa” … says Capitol Arson Suspect John N. Nyanti

In a stunning twist to one of Liberia’s most high-profile criminal cases, John N. Nyanti, a suspect in the December 18, 2024, arson attack on the Capitol Building, has alleged that the Government of Liberia offered him $200,000 to provide false testimony against former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.

Nyanti, who appeared in court on June 18, 2025, under heavy police escort after being forwarded to the Monrovia City Court, made the explosive claim when questioned by a journalist about allegations that Representative Dixon Seboe financed his trip.

"It is a blatant lie. They gave me two hundred thousand to lie against J. Fonati Koffa. I have been in the country since June 6. About 10 top government officials Jonny Dean (106), Simeon Frank (103) of the Liberia National Police, and Marc Amblard visited my hotel daily at Lifestyle Hotel," Nyanti responded.

Nyanti faces multiple charges under the Revised Penal Code of Liberia: arson, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, and criminal conspiracy.

Minutes after being placed on the defendant’s bench at the Magisterial Court with his legal counsel and the state prosecutor present, Nyanti was taken to the First Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Court ‘A’, to be added to the already listed defendants: Rep. Koffa, Abu Kamara, Dixon Seboe, Jacob C. Debee, Thomas Isaac Etheridge, Eric Susay, and others.

His legal team filed a bond of $440,000. The state prosecutor reviewed the bond document to determine whether the amount is sufficient and if the sureties listed are credible and financially sound.

Today, June 19, 2025, the court will hold a bond hearing. If the bond is found to be fraudulent or inadequate, the prosecution may move to have it nullified. Once the bond is approved, the prosecution will prepare for the case transfer or committal to the appropriate court Criminal Court “A”.

In a detailed press statement delivered Tuesday at the Congress for Democratic Change headquarters, Madam Priscilla Nyanti alleged political manipulation and state-sponsored intimidation against her brother.

Madam Nyanti stated that the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) orchestrated her brother’s return by offering him a $50,000 cash deal and safe relocation in exchange for implicating former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and three lawmakers in the Capitol fire.

"John was not returned willingly. He was deceived and detained under surveillance at Lifestyle Hotel in Thinkers Village,” Madam Nyanti revealed.

She further claimed that out of the money promised, only $2,000 was actually paid, and no relocation arrangements have materialized.

Additionally, the government intermediary in the deal Mr. Koffa Nyanti, a cousin of the suspect has been rewarded with a diplomatic post at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment.