By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah@7gmil.com
Monrovia – An armed robbery attempt at Ecobank Liberia Limited’s 11th Street Sinkor Branch was thwarted on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, thanks to the swift action of bank staff and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Authorities have formally charged 44-year-old Fobay Emery Johnson, a resident of Duport Road, Paynesville, in connection with the attempted robbery.
According to a statement from the LNP, the incident occurred at approximately 9:45 a.m. when Johnson, masked and wearing a cold-weather hood, entered the bank’s Private Banking Room under false pretenses.
Once inside, he allegedly locked the door and brandished a single-barrel shotgun concealed in a black backpack, holding staff member Angeline L. Sillah, 33, at gunpoint.
Police report that Johnson demanded money and attempted to silence the victim with duct tape during a nearly ten-minute struggle.
Despite the threat, Sillah bravely resisted and managed to activate the bank’s alarm system. The noise alerted nearby staff, who rushed in and successfully subdued the suspect until law enforcement arrived.
Evidence Recovered
The LNP’s Anti-Robbery Unit of the Crime Services Division recovered several items from the scene, including: One black backpack, one single-barrel shotgun loaded with three roundsm one pepper spray, one roll of duct tape, one nose mask and one Marvin Gaye-branded hat.
CCTV footage reviewed by investigators confirms that Johnson entered the banking room, retrieved the weapon, and threatened the employee.
During police interrogation, Johnson reportedly admitted purchasing the firearm for USD 60 in Ganta, Nimba County, claiming it was for personal protection.
Public Perception and Police Response
Amid growing public interest in the case, the LNP acknowledged discussions about Johnson’s personal background, including alleged ties to the University of Liberia.
However, police emphasized that no individual is above the law, regardless of educational or social standing.
“Investigations are guided by facts, not perceptions,” the LNP stated, citing the example of J.J. Maloney, a once-convicted armed robber and murderer who later became a respected American journalist, to underscore that justice is not biased by one’s past or profession.
Charges Filed
Johnson has been formally charged with the following offenses: Armed Robbery – Chapter 15, Subchapter C, Section 15.32, criminal Attempt to Commit Murder – Chapter 10, Section 10.1 and possession and Sale of Physical Objects for Lethal Use – Chapter 17, Section 17.11.
He is expected to be forwarded to court immediately to face prosecution.
LNP Commends Victim and Public
The Liberia National Police commended the courage and composure of Angeline Sillah and praised the swift response of Ecobank’s staff.
The LNP also extended gratitude to the public for its continued support in the fight against violent crime, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
