Ecobank security averted an armed robbery at the bank’s Paynesville sub-branch on 6 January as police rushed in, but the armed attackers fled, leaving one bank security wounded.

Ecobank sources said bank security kept the armed robbers at bay, but that when one of the armed robbers pulled out a gun, the unarmed security men surrendered, leading to the escape of the gang.

Police and other sources say that some gunmen entered the bank sub-branch at Red Light and shot one bank security officer, leaving him wounded, although this has not been confirmed.

Police spokesman George Bardu said the gunmen wounded a bank security officer before police could intervene.

He said a 28 old-year Nigerian national, described as a ‘notorious criminal’, was arrested and detained on allegation of attempted burglary.

“We can not say more because suspect Obinna Ege (as the Nigerian is known) is undergoing questioning and more arrest of those linked in the act will be brought for questioning,” the deputy commissioner for press and public affairs added.

It can be recalled that police in 2011 arrested another Nigerian, Tochukwu Obi, 37, identified as one of those behind the stealing of US$167,000 in another robbery at Ecobank.

Police affirmed that suspect Obi was charged with criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy and burglary, crimes that violate Sections 10.6,10.4 and 15.20 of the criminal law of Liberia.

Records of police investigation revealed that defendant Obi assisted notorious criminal Tamba Foday alias Sylvester (still at large) to commit the burglary at Ecobank’s Paynesville sub-branch on 25 September 2011.