Suspected Criminal Escapes From Court

A suspected criminal is on the run following a spectacular escape from the Techiman Circuit Court where he was being tried for armed robbery.

The Techiman Police have subsequently mounted a hunt for him and instituted investigations into how the escape occurred.

The suspect, Ibrahim Issahaku, alias Labadi, was on trial at the Techiman Circuit Court, presided over by Mr Akwasi Kumah, and was said to be seated on a bench in the courtroom, jointly handcuffed with another suspect, when he mysteriously freed himself, after unlocking his side of the handcuffs, and fled.

Superintendent of Police Kwadwo Peprah Addae of the Techiman Police Station told the Daily Graphic that Ibrahim had been on remand on a charge of robbery since December last year and had made his fourth appearance at the time he bolted.

“It baffles all of us as to how he was able to free himself and that is what we are investigating to ascertain the facts,” Supt Addae said.

He said the Court Warrant Officer, one Constable Boateng, who was to take charge of the accused, had been given 10 days to produce the accused, according to Police Service regulations.

According to Supt Addae, the 10 days had not yet expired, explaining that if Constable Boateng failed to produce Ibrahim at the end of the period, the necessary sanctions would be applied.

When the Daily Graphic spoke to the Wenchi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSOP) Osei-Ampofo Duku Kaakyire, he confirmed the incident, which he described as very unfortunate.

According to Chief Supt Kaakyire, the accused was suspected to have taken a pin from someone at the court with which he managed to open his side of the handcuffs and ran away. That was because Constable Boateng had negligently left him.

The Daily Graphic learnt that the suspect was arrested when he robbed a mobile phone shop which belonged to a woman at Techiman. She is said to have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to institute an investigation into the escape of the accused who was under lawful custody.

Story by Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah,