The Tarkwa circuit court recently handed down a conviction to a 22-year-old okada rider, Kofi Sumaila, also known as blackman, sentencing him to 10 years imprisonment for robbing a commercial tricycle rider at Bompieso in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality.
During the court proceedings, Sumaila pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, appealing for leniency from the presiding judge, Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu.
Prior to delivering the verdict, the judge acknowledged Sumaila as a first-time offender who had been cooperative and truthful throughout the legal process, thus not prolonging the court proceedings unnecessarily.
According to the presented facts of the case by Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, the incident occurred on February 29, 2024, when Sumaila hired the tricycle rider, Francis Wuri, to transport him to Bompieso cemetery road. Upon reaching a certain point on the journey, Sumaila brandished a pair of scissors, robbed Wuri of cash and a mobile phone, and fled the scene.
Following the incident, Wuri promptly reported the robbery to the Aboso police post. Subsequently, Sumaila was apprehended by Wuri and his colleagues, leading to his arrest on March 2, 2024.
During police interrogation, Sumaila confessed to the crime but failed to assist in the recovery of the stolen mobile phone, which he had allegedly sold to an individual in Tarkwa.
As a result of the compelling evidence and Sumaila's admission of guilt, the court handed down a 10-year prison sentence as a deterrent against such criminal behavior.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and highlights the importance of upholding the law to ensure justice for victims. It also underscores the role of cooperation with law enforcement in resolving criminal cases.
Ultimately, the conviction of Kofi Sumaila sends a clear message that criminal activities will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
