Monrovia – An incident at Ecobank Liberia’s Head Workplace on 11th Avenue in Sinkor has sparked widespread hypothesis and confusion, after an alleged armed theft try was thwarted on its premises on Wednesday. The suspect, now in police custody, is but to be formally recognized by the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP), which has not commented publicly on the matter.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh and Endurance Jones
In an official assertion issued Wednesday, Ecobank Managing Director Salamata Diallo confirmed {that a} man had entered the financial institution’s Personal Banking Lounge and tried to rob a teller.
“Ecobank Liberia Restricted regrets to tell all clients and the general public of an unlucky incident that occurred at our Head Workplace Department, exactly Personal Banking Lounge, eleventh Avenue Sinkor, on sixth August 2025, the place an armed man tried robbing the Teller of the lounge,” mentioned Diallo. “We’re deeply involved about this incident and are actively working with native legislation enforcement businesses to make sure a radical and complete investigation. The protection and safety of our clients and workers stay our utmost precedence. We subsequently reassure all that we have now taken rapid steps to boost safety in any respect our branches.”
She reassured the general public that no cash was stolen and mentioned that rapid steps had been taken to boost safety in any respect financial institution branches. “Now we have taken rapid steps to strengthen safety measures throughout all our branches. Whereas we perceive that such incidents might increase considerations, we wish to reassure all our valued clients that our safety programs stay strong, and their funds and private info are absolutely protected.”
Ecobank additional clarified that the incident has not affected its every day operations. All banking providers proceed to function usually throughout branches and digital platforms.
The financial institution additionally expressed appreciation for the assist and understanding of its clients and most people throughout this era.
It referred to as on clients in search of extra info or wishing to report considerations to contact the Advertising and Company Communications Unit on the Ecobank Company Department on Ashmun Avenue in Monrovia.
Incident Particulars Stay Unclear
In line with Varnie Karn, Ecobank’s Chief of Safety, the person entered the financial institution posing as a buyer. “He mentioned he needed to transact, then used pepper spray on the teller. The teller hit the alarm, and we referred to as the LNP,” Karn defined. “We boggled him on the bottom, handcuffed him, and turned him over to the police. He didn’t take something, and no cameras have been destroyed.”
The Liberia Nationwide Police has not given element concerning the investigation. It has not launched the suspect’s title or disclosed whether or not he will likely be charged with theft, assault, or any prison offense. However a police supply, citing anonymity, mentioned a single barrel gun with rounds was discovered with the person. The shortage of official info has fueled public hypothesis and conflicting narratives.
Public Response Cut up
The incident has stirred blended reactions amongst Liberians. Some are praising Ecobank’s safety and the Liberia Nationwide Police for his or her swift response, whereas others are urging warning and demanding transparency from the police earlier than drawing conclusions.
“If this man is certainly who social media claims he’s, we have to hear his aspect of the story,” mentioned one Monrovia resident outdoors the financial institution. “You may’t simply arrest somebody and never inform the general public what’s occurring.”
Whereas no official identification has been offered, a number of people on social media declare the person arrested is Emery Johnson, a revered medical geneticist in Liberia.
“This man is a pleasant and quiet man,” wrote Levi Saah Magna Tiklo, a social media commentator. “There have to be a misunderstanding. Mr. Johnson is considered one of Liberia’s greatest medical geneticists, a visitor lecturer at A. M. Dogliotti Faculty of Drugs and the College of Liberia Graduate Faculty. I’m hoping he comes out of this safely.”
Emmanuel Ok. Kepah, Jr., claiming to be a former scholar of the suspect added: “There have to be a mix-up someplace! I’ve recognized him (Mr Johnson) to be man. He taught me Medical Genetics on the A.M Dogliotti Faculty of Drugs as nicely. Praying for God’s intervention and an neutral investigation.”
Jacob Harmon referred to as for a police investigation to establish the very fact: “The LNP ought to examine this additional. It may be on account of melancholy or some form of psychological trauma. How will one man rob a financial institution in broad daylight in Liberia? One thing have to be fallacious someplace together with his mindset.
Monbo Dredd agreed: “Please let’s hear precisely what led him on this path. I don’t I don’t condone his immoral determination on this matter however we have now the precise to know: what’s going to make such an informed man to sparrow downhill to this godforsaken path?”
These feedback have since gone viral, prompting recent debate over whether or not the incident was a real crime or a misunderstanding involving somebody with no prison historical past.
As of Wednesday morning, the police had neither confirmed nor denied the identification of the suspect or launched any formal assertion on the character of the fees.
