Liberian police have questioned the Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives after a massive fire in the West African country's legislature.
Residents of the capital, Monrovia, woke up on Wednesday morning to see thick black smoke and flames rising from the Capitol building.
The fire destroyed the entire legislative common rooms, but no one was in the building at the time.
Liberian Police Chief Gregory Coleman said four individuals, including Parliament Speaker Jonathan Funate Kofa and Representative Frank Sah Foko, were brought in for questioning.
The fire occurred a day after plans to remove Kofa from his role as spokesman sparked a tense protest.
Several demonstrators, including an aide to former President George Weah, were arrested during Tuesday's protest.
Rep. Foucault, a senior figure in the House of Representatives, allegedly uploaded a video to Facebook in which he said: “If they want us to burn down the chambers, we will burn them down.”
“Deputy Fuoco threatened that he would burn down the common rooms and just one day later they were burned down,” Police Chief Coleman said. “So he needs to clarify his statement.”
Coleman said Cova should also explain a Facebook post he made during the protests.
Neither Foucault nor Coffa responded publicly to Coleman's comments.
The government has offered a reward of $5,000 (£3,900) for more information about the fire.
President Joseph Boakai expressed disappointment over the incident and ordered security agencies to investigate.
The Liberian House of Representatives is experiencing a power struggle, with a faction of lawmakers claiming to have removed Speaker Kofa and replaced him.
Another group opposed the measure, calling it unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court ruling failed to resolve the internal dispute.
