The Management of Ecobank Liberia Limited says it regrets an unfortunate incident that occurred at its Head Office Branch (Private Banking Lounge) on 11th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia Wednesday, 6th August 2025, involving an armed man, who attempted robbing a Teller of the lounge.
By: Emmanuel Wise Jipoh
Monrovia, Liberia; August 7, 2025 – The Management of Ecobank Liberia Limited says it regrets an unfortunate incident that occurred at its Head Office Branch (Private Banking Lounge) on 11th Street Sinkor, on Wednesday, 6th August 2025, where an armed man tried robbing the Teller of the lounge.
The bank did not name the Teller involved, but notes, “We are deeply concerned about this incident and are actively working with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation”, the bank said in a press statement subsequently issued in Monrovia, Wednesday.
The safety and security of our customers and staff remain our utmost priority. We therefore reassure all that we have taken immediate steps to enhance security at all our branches,” reads the statement issued under the name of Managing Director, Salamata Diallo.
The statement notes that such incidents may raise concerns regarding safety and security, adding “We, therefore, wish to reassure all our customers that robust security systems and protocols are in place to protect their funds and personal information.”
Meanwhile, Management assures the public that its operations continue uninterrupted across all branches and digital channels. “We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our customers and the public during this time”, the statement adds.
The Liberia National Police arrested a man believed to be a suspected armed robber, who made his way into the Ecobank Liberia (Limited) Head Office on 11th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia on Wednesday morning, August 6th.
Reports say the suspect did not take any cash from the bank, but allegedly wounded a female teller, who is currently said to be receiving medication in Monrovia, the NEW DAWN has gathered.
Further reports said nothing was destroyed at the bank, as Police swiftly intervened and arrested the suspect, who is in custody of the Liberia National Police.
However, other reports indicate that the suspect had gone to the bank for a beef with his girlfriend, who is an employee at the Ecobank Liberia (Limited) Head Office on 11th Street, Sinkor, for refusing to report home after work.
Police have identified the attacker as Emery Johnson, a resident of Du-port Road, Paynesville.
The broad day attempted robbery left customers and staff in shock, as Suspect Johnson, reportedly carrying a firearm, pepper spray, and other deadly objects, entered the bank and attacked a teller, before an alarm was raised, alerting the police.
A bank security supervisor, Varney Kai, narrates that the incident happened around 10:45 a.m., when the suspect scaled the back entrance of the bank and carried out the attack.
“This individual was well dressed, and he came at around 10:45 to enter the bank, using the back, intending to carry out a transaction, as he made his way through and attacked the teller with pepper spray and tried to use his hands in her eyes as a means to get past the counter”, Mr. Kai explains.
However, the suspected robbery was reportedly unsuccessful, with no cash taken away and no property destroyed.
“Nothing major happened; the guy only slipped into the bank and had a bag with weapons, pepper spray, and other harmful objects, but there was nothing destroyed, as the police intervened”, Kai said.
The assailant is said to be in police custody, pending investigation.
The prompt arrest brought relief to customers and staff at the bank, underscoring the vigilance of the bank’s security and the LNP in protecting the public.
The Acting Manager of the 11th Street Branch, Mohammed Dukuly, who was not on the scene, confirmed the attack, but said he couldn’t comment further, as he is currently on leave.
At the same time, further reports have identified the suspect as a research and administrative assistant at the University Of Liberia College Of Health Sciences. He is said to be an advocate of genetic screening and prenatal/postnatal care in Liberia.
Suspect Johnson reportedly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science in medical genetics from the University of Liberia, with more than nine years of experience. Editing by Jonathan Browne
