Liberia Capitol fire: Ex-speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa charged with arson

The blaze broke out a day after protests over plans to oust former speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa.

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The huge blaze broke out last December, a day after plans to remove Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his role as speaker sparked protests in the capital, Monrovia.

Koffa had been locked in a stand-off with his political opponents, with dozens of lawmakers voting for his impeachment in October over accusations of poor governance, corruption and conflicts of interest.

He has previously denied any connection to the fire breaking out.

Police said on Friday that there were "credible links" to suggest Koffa was "strategically involved" in the incident. Five other lawmakers have also been detained in connection with the case.