On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, an alarming incident unfolded at the Private Banking Lounge of Ecobank Liberia Limited’s Head Office branch in Sinkor, Monrovia. A man, later identified as Emery Johnson, entered the bank premises and attacked a female teller, creating a scene of panic and confusion among customers and staff. Initial reports suggested an attempted robbery, with the assailant allegedly armed with a firearm, pepper spray, and other potentially dangerous objects. However, subsequent information indicated a more complex motive, possibly related to a personal dispute with the teller, who was reportedly Johnson’s girlfriend.
Ecobank Liberia Limited, in a statement released shortly after the incident, expressed deep regret and assured the public of their commitment to the safety and security of their customers and staff. The bank affirmed their cooperation with law enforcement agencies in conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. While acknowledging the concerns raised by such incidents, the bank emphasized the robustness of their security systems and protocols designed to protect both financial assets and personal information. They reassured customers that operations remained uninterrupted across all their branches and digital platforms, expressing gratitude for the public’s understanding and continued support.
The Liberia National Police swiftly apprehended the suspect, Emery Johnson, a resident of Du-port Road, Paynesville. Preliminary investigations revealed that despite the aggressive nature of the attack, no cash was stolen and no property was damaged. The targeted teller, however, sustained injuries and was receiving medical attention. The suspect was taken into police custody for further investigation and potential charges. The rapid response of the police and bank security personnel effectively contained the situation and prevented further escalation or harm.
According to eyewitness accounts from bank security supervisor Varney Kai, the incident transpired around 10:45 a.m. Johnson, dressed inconspicuously, entered the bank through the back entrance. While his initial pretense seemed to be conducting a transaction, he quickly launched his attack on the teller, using pepper spray and attempting to physically restrain her. The quick thinking of bank personnel triggered an alarm, alerting the police who arrived promptly to apprehend the suspect.
The incident sent shockwaves through the bank and the wider community, prompting immediate responses from both Ecobank management and law enforcement. While the acting manager of the 11th Street branch, Mohammed Dukuly, declined to comment in detail due to his absence at the time of the incident, the bank’s official statement reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a secure environment for all. The Liberia National Police’s effective handling of the situation demonstrated their commitment to public safety and their capacity to respond quickly to such threats.
Adding another layer to the incident, reports emerged identifying Emery Johnson as a research and administrative assistant at the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences. He is described as a proponent of genetic screening and pre/postnatal care, holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Medical Genetics from the University of Liberia, with over nine years of experience in the field. This revelation further complicated the narrative, shifting the focus from a straightforward robbery attempt toward a potential personal conflict. Further investigations are underway to ascertain the precise motive behind Johnson’s actions and to bring appropriate charges against him. The incident highlights the importance of robust security measures in public spaces and the need for comprehensive investigations to fully understand the underlying causes of such events.
