POLICE CHARGE DEFENDANT JOHNSON FOR ARMED ROBBERY-Forwards Suspect to Court for Prosecution

 The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged Defendant Fobay Emery Johnson, a 44-year-old instructor at the University of Liberia Graduate School, with alleged armed robbery and has forwarded him to the Monrovia City Court for prosecution. The charges stem from an armed robbery incident that occurred at the Private Banking Room of Eco-Bank Liberia on August 6, 2025. According to police investigators, Defendant Johnson, a resident of Duport Road, Paynesville, was apprehended at the scene following a swift response from the bank’s staff and law enforcement officers. The arrest was made possible after the victim, Ms. Angeline L. Sillah, age 33, managed to trigger the bank’s alarm system during the attempted robbery. The LNP’s Anti-Robbery Unit investigation revealed that Defendant Johnson entered the Private Banking Room of Eco-Bank wearing a nose mask and a cold-weather hood in an apparent attempt to conceal his identity. Upon entering, he reportedly shut the door behind him, retrieved a single-barrel shotgun from his black backpack, and placed the victim under gunpoint. Police findings indicate that the suspect demanded money from the victim and engaged in a prolonged struggle with her for approximately ten minutes. During the altercation, Defendant Johnson allegedly attempted to silence the victim by sealing her mouth with duct tape, which he had brought along. The victim resisted, pressed the office alarm button, and was quickly aided by her colleagues, who restrained the suspect until police officers arrived on the scene. Investigators obtained CCTV footage from Eco-Bank that clearly captured the sequence of events, showing Defendant Johnson entering the banking room, retrieving the weapon, and threatening the victim. Upon his arrest, Johnson was taken into police custody for questioning. During interrogation, he admitted to purchasing the firearm in Ganta, Nimba County, for the sum of USD 60. However, he claimed the weapon was acquired solely for personal protection. “The Liberia National Police remains committed to ensuring that individuals who attempt to endanger the lives and safety of citizens face the full weight of the law,” said a spokesperson for the LNP. “This case highlights the bravery of the victim and the prompt action of both the bank’s employees and our officers. Armed robbery will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” The LNP has confirmed that all evidence, including the weapon, the duct tape, the backpack, and the CCTV recordings, has been submitted to the court as part of the prosecution’s case. Defendant Johnson has been charged under Liberia’s Penal Code for armed robbery, a felony offense punishable by lengthy imprisonment if convicted. The case has been formally forwarded to the Monrovia City Court, where the defendant will face trial in the coming days. The LNP has urged members of the public to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities that may lead to the prevention of similar crimes. The Liberia National Police reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes and remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives, safeguard property, and uphold the rule of law across the country. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and to contact the nearest police station or call the LNP emergency hotline in the event of suspicious behavior or imminent threats.