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09.05.2008 Crime & Punishment

Spiritualist Helps Steal Church's Offertory

09.05.2008 LISTEN
By Eunice Asiedua Kotoku, Tema - newtimesonline.com

A 40-year-old spiritualist is in police grips for allegedly aiding in robbing the Church of Pentecost at Ashaiman of GH¢2,093 being its offertory.

Ali Baba, the spiritualist, allegedly assisted Philip Kwaku Ahwoa, 23, a labourer of the church and one other to steal the money after the December 31, 2007 watchnight service.

Disclosing this to the Times yesterday, Superintendent Frank Awu, Ashaiman Municipal Police Commander, said the prime suspect and first accused, Samuel Obed, is on the run and is being sought for by the police.

He described Obed and Ahwoa as two good friends who planned to steal the proceeds of the church’s offertory.

The police said tafter hatching the plan, the two friends contacted Baba for some rituals to ensure that they succeed in the plan.

Supt Awu said soon after the watchnight service, Baba phoned to inform Obed that the church’s financial secretary, Samuel Abeka, had set off from the church premises on a bicycle with the offering.

Obed, the police said, quickly emerged from a bush near the church premises and attacked Abeka and snatched the money wrapped in a black polythene bag.

Ahwoa, also emerged from the bush to join Obed and together, they fled with the money.

However, Abeka raised the alarm which attracted people around the church premises who succeeded in arresting Ahwoa.

Obed, however, managed to escape with the money.

However, further investigations later led to the arrest of Baba.

Supt. Awu said Baba and Ahwoa have been charged with stealing and abetment of crime and will be put before court soon.

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