Armed robber in prison custody

Jail Man

Kumasi, July 15, GNA - A man who attacked and seized cash and other valuables from a banker and three others at gunpoint, has been ordered by a Kumasi Circuit Court, to be held in prison custody.

Mohammed Abubakar, 28, is said to have acted together with two criminal colleagues, known only as Alhassan and Awudu, now on the run,

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and would make his next court appearance on Monday, July 21.

Police Inspector Daniel Opoku told the court presided over by Mrs Afua Adu-Amankwaa that the incident happened on November 10, last year, at about 0115 hours, at Ahodwo, a suburb of Kumasi.

The banker, Afua Asantewaa, and the other victims, Akua Forkuo, Theodora Cobbina and Geoffrey Osei Bonsu, were returning from a night-out, when the accused and his fugitive crime partners struck.

Armed with a gun and knives, they blocked the road near the Headlines Educational Centre Junction, and as the vehicle carrying the victims pulled up, they robbed them of cash amounts of GH¢ 2,075.00, $160 and €400.

They also seized their mobile phones, driving licenses and health insurance cards.

The prosecution said two days after the crime, the police were tipped off that Abubakar was hiding at Aboabo and caused his arrest.

A locally-made pistol, machete and one of the stolen mobile phones belonging to the banker were found on him.

Police Inspector Opoku told the court that Abubakar initially insisted he bought the stolen phone from one Abu but later shifted position, confessed to the crime, and mentioned Alhassan and Awudu as accomplices.

He led the police to their homes but they could not be found.

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