The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged 44-year-old Fobay Emery Johnson of Duport Road, Paynesville, with multiple criminal offenses, including armed robbery, following a violent incident at the Ecobank Liberia Limited’s 11th Street, Sinkor branch on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
According to the LNP, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Johnson entered the bank’s private banking room wearing a nose mask and a cold-weather hood.
Once inside, he locked the door, pulled a single-barrel shotgun from his black backpack, and held Ecobank staffer Angeline L. Sillah, 33, at gunpoint.
The suspect allegedly demanded money and engaged in a tense struggle with the victim for nearly ten minutes, during which he attempted to silence her with duct tape.
Ms. Sillah managed to press the alarm button, alerting her colleagues, who restrained Johnson until police officers arrived.
The LNP’s Anti-Robbery Unit recovered several items from the suspect, including the shotgun, three rounds of ammunition, pepper spray, duct tape, a nose mask, and a black backpack.
Police say CCTV footage from Ecobank corroborates the sequence of events, showing Johnson retrieving the firearm and threatening the victim.
The police said during interrogation, Johnson admitted to purchasing the weapon in Ganta, Nimba County, for USD 60, claiming it was for “personal protection.”
The LNP spokesperson noted that despite Johnson’s educational background and public associations, no one is above the law.
She referenced similar historical cases, such as American journalist J.J. Maloney, who had a criminal past before turning his life around.
Following its investigation, the LNP charged Johnson with armed robbery under Chapter 15, Subchapter C, Section 15.32 of the Penal Code, criminal attempt to commit murder under Chapter 10, Section 10.1, and possession and sale of physical objects for lethal use as prescribed by law. Johnson is expected to be forwarded to court immediately.
The LNP at the same time commended Ecobank management and staff for their swift action and assured the public of its commitment to ensuring safety and justice.
