In a significant breakthrough, the Accra Regional Police Command has apprehended a 24-year-old Okada rider, Daniel Ashiabi, in connection with a robbery incident that occurred at the Airport Residential Area. The arrest has led to the recovery of two stolen mobile phones and has shed light on a series of similar criminal activities in the region.
The Incident
According to an official police statement released on Wednesday, March 4, the robbery took place on February 23, 2023. The victim, identified as Anneli Niimpungu Amanyanga, was reportedly walking to the Namibia High Commission when she was attacked by a young man on a motorbike. The suspect allegedly snatched her handbag, which contained several valuable items, including:
- An iPhone 15 Pro Max valued at GH¢19,000
- A Huawei P50 Pro worth GH¢11,000
- A Namibian diplomatic passport
- A driver’s license
- Office and house keys
- FBN Gold and Republic Bank ATM cards
- Other personal belongings
The victim, accompanied by Justina Anamba, reported the incident to the police on February 25.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the report, a team from the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (RCID), with support from the Charlie SWAT Unit, launched an investigation. The stolen iPhone was traced to Galaway near the Agbogbloshie Total Filling Station, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Miracle Asare, a spare parts dealer. The phone was subsequently recovered.
Further investigations uncovered a network of individuals involved in the circulation of the stolen items. Two phone dealers at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Theophilus Darko (40) and Benjamin Opoku (26), were identified as intermediaries in the chain of possession of the stolen iPhone.
The Huawei P50 Pro was later traced to Dansoman, where police arrested 41-year-old Emmanuel Abangbase. During interrogation, Abangbase disclosed that he had purchased the phone from Daniel Ashiabi, the Okada rider who is now at the center of this case.
Confession and Criminal Activities
During questioning, Daniel Ashiabi confessed to the robbery and admitted to selling the iPhone for GH¢2,500 and the Huawei phone for GH¢1,000. He also revealed that he had burned the victim’s diplomatic passport along with other documents from her handbag. Police investigations have since linked Ashiabi to a series of similar robberies in Achimota, Kaneshie, and the Airport Residential Area.
Current Status of Suspects
Daniel Ashiabi remains in police custody and is assisting authorities with ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, Theophilus Darko, Benjamin Opoku, and Emmanuel Abangbase have been granted police enquiry bail as investigations continue.
Conclusion
This arrest highlights the commitment of the Accra Regional Police Command to combating crime and ensuring public safety. The swift action taken by law enforcement underscores their dedication to tracking down perpetrators and recovering stolen property.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies in addressing criminal activities within our communities. Further updates on this case are expected as investigations proceed.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
