The Tema Circuit Court recently handed down sentences to two individuals involved in the theft of 1,146 bags of rice valued at Gh₵846,000.00. Abdul Karim Abdul Aziz, a 36-year-old driver, and Ibrahim Mohammed, a 49-year-old transport agent, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit crime and stealing after a full trial.
Abdul Karim Abdul Aziz received a five-year sentence for each of the two counts, while Ibrahim Mohammed was sentenced to 12 years with hard labour for the same offences. The court ruled that the jail terms will run concurrently.
According to Chief Inspector Jacob Maalo Kuubal, prosecuting the case, the complainant, Mr. Emmanuel Quaye Nartey, engaged the services of Aziz to transport the rice from MPS Tema to a warehouse in Tema. Aziz then conspired with Mohammed to divert the rice to Prampram, where it was offloaded and sold.
Mohammed facilitated the sale of the rice and distributed the proceeds, while Aziz absconded to Tamale and later received further payment for the sale. He then used a portion of the proceeds to prepare travel documents for a planned trip to Saudi Arabia.
Following an investigation, Aziz was arrested from his hideout in the Western Region, and both accused persons were charged and arraigned.
The court's decision to hand down significant jail terms reflects the seriousness of the offences committed. The case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of engaging in criminal activities such as theft and conspiracy.
It is hoped that the outcome of this case will serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar unlawful actions. The court's firm stance underscores the importance of upholding the law and maintaining ethical conduct in all business dealings.
This verdict also highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting such criminal activities. The diligent work of the police in uncovering the details of the crime and apprehending the perpetrators is commendable.
Ultimately, this case underscores the importance of transparency and integrity in all commercial transactions, and it reaffirms the commitment of the judicial system to uphold justice and hold accountable those who engage in criminal behavior.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
