The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has arrested 12 suspects in two separate robbery operations, including a highway attack on the Tamale–Buipe Highway and a violent robbery at Nkaseim in the Ahafo Region.
The arrests are part of intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at combating robbery and other violent crimes nationwide.
The Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing at the CID headquarters in Accra.
Highway robbery
COP Donkor said seven suspects were arrested in connection with a highway robbery that occurred on July 21 last year along the Tamale–Buipe Highway, during which six armed men attacked a Member of the Council of State.
The suspects — Rashida Yusif, Aaron Abana Baswiefanga, Wilson Avasong, Muntaru Iddrisu alias Virgin, Aminu Zebrilla alias Birdman, Inusah Sumaila alias Agenda and Haruna Safiano — allegedly robbed the victim of mobile phones, cash, wristwatches, a laptop, reading glasses and other personal belongings.
“Following intelligence gathered by the CID, a team from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit was dispatched to Salaga in the Savannah Region.
This operation led to the arrest of Rashida Yusif, who was found in possession of an iPhone 7 Plus belonging to one of the victims,” COP Donkor said.
She added that further investigations led to the arrest of a mobile phone shop attendant, Aaron Abana Baswiefanga, and, subsequently, the shop owner, Wilson Avasong, in Tamale.
COP Donkor said police later arrested Muntaru Iddrisu at the Tamale Aboabo Market, who led officers to Aminu Zebrilla, an okada rider, at Dungu, a suburb of Tamale.
A search conducted in Aminu Zebrilla’s room, she said, uncovered weapons and suspected stolen items, including locally manufactured firearms, ammunition, a sword, knives, mobile phones, wristwatches, pen drives, SIM cards, a motorbike and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
According to COP Donkor, further investigations revealed that Aminu Zebrilla was an ex-convict who had been jailed for robbery in 2012.
She added that two additional suspects, Inusah Sumaila and Haruna Safiano, were later arrested near the Tamale China Mall.
Nkaseim robbery
On the Nkaseim robbery, COP Donkor said police arrested five suspects in connection with a coordinated attack that occurred last year on December 2, in the Ahafo Region.
The suspects — Mutar Kofi, Mahamadu Sagio alias Salifu, Shaibu Issah Jallo alias Jibo, Abdul Suleman and Bukari Sulley alias Tailor — allegedly blocked the Goaso–Tepa road and attacked the Nkaseim Police Station, two cocoa and gold buying companies and areas around the Asutifi Rural Bank.
COP Donkor said the assailants made away with two AK-47 rifles, as well as GH¢14,000 from a cocoa buying company and GH¢12,000 from a gold buying company.
She said an employee of the cocoa buying company was shot and injured during the robbery.
She said Mutar Kofi, a commercial tricycle rider, was arrested on January 16 this year near Nkaseim and admitted his involvement, and that subsequent arrests were made in Nkaseim, Chereponi, Karaga in the Northern Region, and Kumasi.
She said efforts were underway to arrest the alleged gang leader, identified as Hoyeefi, who is believed to be in possession of the stolen rifles, as well as two other suspects currently on the run.
Advice
“I would like to take this opportunity to urge us all to take our personal security seriously.
Remain vigilant against cyber or online crimes. Exercise due caution on digital and social media platforms.
Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown individuals and be wary of unsolicited messages or calls requesting sensitive details,” COP Donkor said.
She also encouraged motorists and those involved in vehicle sales to stay alert at all times, especially when driving at night or in isolated areas.
“Ensure vehicles are properly secured, avoid picking up unknown individuals and be cautious when stopping for distress signals that may be staged,” she added.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh