Court Remands Barber for Carrying Pistol, Mask and Live Cartridges

A barber who was arrested for allegedly possessing a locally-manufactured pistol, a mask and five live cartridges on board a taxi at Spintex in Accra has been remanded by an Accra Circuit Court.

Daniel Martey, charged with preparation to commit a crime to wit robbery and possession of firearms without authority, pleaded not guilty before the court presided over Mr Aboagye Tandoh.

Martey is expected to reappear on February 14.

Prosecuting, Superintendent of Police Patience Mario told the court that the complainants are Police Officers from the National headquarters Combat Patrol Unit, while Martey resides at Madina.

Supt. Mario said on January 16, this year, at about 1:30 pm, the complainants were on a snap check duty at Coca-Cola Roundabout on the Spintex road when they intercepted a Nissan Almera taxi cab with registration number GW 5643-13.

The prosecution said on board the taxi were Martey, three others including the driver and one escapee whose name Martey gave as Awudu.

During a search, a mask and a torchlight were found in the pocket of Martey which raised the suspicion of the complainants.

Supt. Mario said the Police officers conducted an intensive search and a polythene bag, containing a locally manufactured pistol, another face mask and five live cartridges, was found under Martey’s seat.

The Prosecution said the officers arrested Martey but Awudu, his accomplice escaped.

The suspect was then sent to the Baatsona Police Station, and during interrogation, he said the items found in the polythene belong to Awudu.

According to the prosecution, Martey said they were on their way to Awudu's abode at Spintex.

The Prosecution said Martey, however, failed to assist the Police in identifying the house of Awudu.

The prosecution said the Police had begun a manhunt for Awudu.

---GNA