In a recent development, an Accra Circuit Court has handed down a significant sentence to a driver involved in a disturbing case of attempted kidnapping for ransom. The driver, Godfred Ayittey, has been sentenced to eight years of imprisonment with hard labor for his role in the foiled kidnapping plot.
Charges and Denial
Ayittey had initially denied allegations of conspiring with another individual, Wang Liang, in preparation for the kidnapping. However, following a thorough trial process, he was found guilty of the charges brought against him.
Witness Report
The court proceedings, presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, heard details presented by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye. According to DSP Nyamekye, the case unfolded when a witness, Richard Asomaning, reported to the Tema Police about Ayittey's recruitment attempt. Ayittey had allegedly reached out to Asomaning, seeking his involvement in a kidnapping scheme and requesting the recruitment of a skilled driver for the operation.
Feigning interest, Asomaning provided copies of his driver’s license and Ghana card, as well as those of another individual, Peter Ofoe Agbovie, whom he had recruited for Ayittey. The witnesses then arranged a meeting with Ayittey to gather information about the intended victims of the kidnapping plot – identified as Mr. Joseph K. Horgle and his daughter Elinam, both associated with J. K. Horgle Transport and Company Limited.
Investigation
Despite never meeting the witnesses in person, Ayittey maintained communication with them via phone. It was revealed that he had initiated a WhatsApp group platform for the operation and provided funds to Asomaning to conduct surveillance on the potential victims.
Accomplice Involvement
Furthermore, Ayittey instructed Agbovie to rent a vehicle while he himself allegedly made arrangements for firearms to be used in the operation.
Arrest and Admission of Offense
Subsequently, Ayittey was apprehended by authorities and admitted to his involvement in the offense. He implicated Wang Liang, a Chinese national he had worked with, as the mastermind behind the kidnapping plan.
Investigations unveiled Ayittey's prior employment at the company owned by the intended victims, during which he became aware of their financial capacity and their potential to pay ransom via cryptocurrency to Wang Liang's account in China.
The intricate details of the case shed light on Ayittey's exploitation of online platforms for recruitment, initially posing as an employer before steering the conversation towards criminal activities.
As a result of these findings, Ayittey was officially charged with the offense and has now been handed a substantial prison sentence for his involvement in this egregious crime.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of illicit activities and the importance of remaining vigilant against such nefarious schemes. The swift action taken by law enforcement authorities in thwarting this kidnapping attempt underscores the dedication to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of individuals within our communities.
It is imperative that we continue to work collectively to prevent and address such criminal endeavors, safeguarding our society from the threat of kidnapping and extortion. The severity of this case sends a clear message that such reprehensible actions will not be tolerated, and those found complicit will face the full force of the law.
As we reflect on this disconcerting incident, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting safety and security for all, standing united against criminality and upholding the principles of justice and integrity.
-source citinewsroom | curated by Ibrahim Aisha
