By Lincoln G. Peters
The Liberian National Police has formally charged and sent to court Mr. Fobay Emery Johnson on charges of multiple criminal offenses in connection with the alleged armed robbery on August 6, 2025, at Ecobank Liberia.
Incident Summary
On August 6, 2026, approximately 9:45 AM, suspect Johnson entered the Private Banking Room of Ecobank, disguised with a nose mask and a hoodie as captured on CCTV footage, closed the office door behind him, pulled a single-barreled shotgun from his black backpack, and placed victim Angeline L. Sillah, age 33, under gunpoint.
In the CCTV footage, he is seen demanding the money stored in the office and tussling with the victim for about ten minutes and attempting to seal her mouth with duct tape he brought along with him.
However, the victim resisted, pressed the alarm button, and was rescued by her colleagues, who restrained the suspect until the arrival of the Liberia National Police.
Releasing the police investigation findings on Monday, August 11, 2025, LNP Spokesperson, Cecelia Clark, said that they are excited to release findings of a critical investigation into a violent incident that occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ecobank Liberia Limited, 11th Street, Sinkor Branch.
According to her, the suspect, Fobay Emery Johnson, age 44, of Duport Road, Paynesville, was apprehended at the scene and has since been thoroughly investigated by the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Crime Services Division.
“Following the investigation, the Liberia National Police has formally charged Mr. Johnson with the following criminal offenses: Armed Robbery, Chapter 15, Subchapter C, Section 15.32. Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder – Chapter 10, Section 10.1, Possession and Sale of Physical Objects for Lethal Use – Chapter. These charges are in accordance with the Revised Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia. Mr. Johnson will be forwarded to court immediately following this press briefing.” She stated.
The Police spokesperson assured Liberians that the Liberia National Police remains committed to protecting the lives and property of all citizens, while expressing appreciation to the management of Ecobank, the victim for her courage, and the public for their continued support.
Providing clarification on Public Perception, she disclosed that they are aware of commentary surrounding Mr. Johnson’s background, including his association with the University of Liberia.
In case reference, the LNP reminded the public of J.J. Maloney, Educated, accomplished, and once a convicted armed robber, a respected American journalist and author who won multiple prestigious awards, including the American Bar Association Silver Gavel and the Sigma Delta Chi Award, and was nominated for five Pulitzer Prizes.
But before all that, Madam Clark pointed out that Maloney spent over six years in reform schools and prison for murder and armed robbery. Still, his transformation came only after incarceration, where he educated himself and rebuilt his life.
“Let it be made clear: no individual is above the law. The Liberia National Police remains committed to impartial enforcement, guided solely by facts and the rule of law. This case is a powerful reminder that education, employment, and social standing do not exempt anyone from criminal behavior. Public perception can be misleading, and assumptions based on status must never override the facts uncovered through investigation. The Liberia National Police investigates based on evidence, not assumptions, and justice applies equally to all, regardless of background.” She stated.
Commenting on the evidence and investigation, Madam Clark stated that the CTV footage from Ecobank clearly shows Mr. Johnson entering the private banking room, retrieving the weapon, and threatening the victim.
” During questioning, the suspect admitted to purchasing the firearm in Ganta, Nimba County, for USD 60, claiming it was for personal protection. Recovered items include: One black backpack, one single-barreled shotgun, three rounds of ammunition, one pepper spray, one duct tape, one nose mask,” she concluded.
