The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged 44-year-old Fobay Emery Johnson with Armed Robbery, Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, and Possession of Lethal Weapons, following a foiled daylight robbery attempt at Ecobank Liberia’s Head Office Branch on 11th Street in Sinkor.
Johnson, a resident of Duport Road, Paynesville, was arrested on the scene on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after allegedly storming into the bank’s Private Banking Lounge, armed with a single barrel shotgun, and attacking Angeline L. Sillah, a teller at the branch.
According to the police charge sheet (Case#: CSD-HQ-ARU-2482-25), Johnson has now been formally forwarded to the Monrovia City Court to stand trial for his alleged crimes.
Police say Johnson entered the teller’s office under the guise of being a customer. Once inside, he allegedly closed the door, pointed a loaded firearm at the victim, and demanded the cash in her office.
He reportedly attempted to choke the teller and seal her mouth with Scotch tape before she managed to press the emergency alarm button.
The prompt response by Ecobank staff and security led to Johnson’s immediate arrest. No money was stolen, and no injuries were reported during the incident. The bank later confirmed that USD $13,999 was in the office at the time.
Recovered from the suspect were:
1) A single barrel shotgun
2) Three rounds of ammunition
3) Pepper spray
4) Duct tape
4) A nose mask and black Marvin Gaye-style hat
5) A black backpack used to conceal the weapon
CCTV footage reviewed by police investigators corroborated the victim’s account, showing Johnson entering the bank wearing a disguise, retrieving the firearm, and threatening the teller.
During a police interview, Johnson admitted to purchasing the firearm in Ganta, Nimba County, for “personal protection.” However, the police have rejected this explanation; cite premeditated intent, given the recovered items and sequence of events.
The charges levied against him are based on Chapters 10, 15, and 17, Sections 10.1, 15.32, and 17.11 of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia. These include:
1) Armed Robbery
2) Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder
3) Possession and Sale of Physical Objects for Lethal Use
He has been charged and forwarded to the Monrovia City Court pending trial.
In a statement issued the same day, Ecobank Liberia reassured customers that security has been reinforced across all branches and that the bank remains fully operational.
“The safety and security of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority,” said Salamata Diallo, Managing Director of Ecobank Liberia. “We are cooperating fully with the Liberia National Police and other authorities to ensure justice is served.”
Authorities described the incident as one of the first attempted daylight armed bank robberies in recent memory, particularly in such a busy commercial district.
The Liberia National Police say investigations are ongoing, and additional details will be released as the case progresses in court.
