MONROVIA – The Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice has ordered a full mental capacity evaluation for Foday Emery Johnson, the alleged armed robbery suspect in a high-profile Eco-Bank Liberia case. The ruling, delivered on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, effectively suspends the ongoing trial until Johnson’s mental fitness is confirmed.
Johnson faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, criminal attempt to commit murder, and illegal possession of a lethal weapon. His defense attorneys filed a motion requesting a mental evaluation, citing documented diagnoses and ongoing treatment indicating serious mental health conditions. They argued that proceeding with the trial without assessing Johnson’s mental state could result in a miscarriage of justice.
Medical records from ELWA Hospital in Liberia and a facility in Cyprus show that Johnson has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Bipolar Disorder, with symptoms of mania, depression, and anxiety. According to his defense, these conditions impair his ability to comprehend and actively participate in legal proceedings.
In his ruling, Judge Willie referenced Chapter 6, Subsection 6.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law, which allows courts to commit a defendant to a medical facility for evaluation if there are reasonable doubts about their capacity to understand the trial or assist in their defense. “The Court… grants the Bill of Information in part,” the judge stated. “The portion that has to do with ordering a mental capacity evaluation of the Informant is granted… However, the request for temporary or compassionate release is denied.”
Following the ruling, Johnson will be transferred from Monrovia Central Prison to E.S. Grant Hospital for a comprehensive assessment. The hospital has been instructed to submit a formal report on his mental fitness by Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
