Court remands fugitive robber

A 23-year-old construction labourer who went into hiding for three years after an alleged robbery has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court.

Suleimana Shaibu allegedly robbed Mr Akwasi Nkansah Dwamena of GH¢15,000.00 in addition to three Galaxy mobile phones in March 2017.

He pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime and robbery and would reappear in court on April 15, 2020.

The Court sought to grant him bail but he had no place of abode as he told the Court he lived in an uncompleted building.

His accomplice, whose name was not given is at large.

Police Chief Inspector Emmanuel Ohene Agyei told the Court presided over by Mrs Ellen Offei Ayeh, that the complainant is a contractor living at Spintex in Accra, where the alleged robbers also live.

He said on March 25, 2017, at about 0200 hours, the complainant was sleeping when Shaibu and his accomplice entered his room with force.

He said Shaibu was armed with a double-barreled gun whilst his accomplice had a knife.

The Prosecution said they pointed their weapons at the victim and asked him to surrender all the monies he had on him, which he obliged by giving them the GH¢15,000.00.

He said the robbers then took away his three Galaxy mobile phones as the complainant pleaded with them to keep the money and give him the phones.

Chief Inspector Agyei said Shaibu who was infuriated with the complainant’s pleas shot him in his left palm and abdomen and bolted with the booty.

He said the victim then shouted for help which attracted neighbours to the scene who rushed him to the 37 Military Hospital when he was later referred to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Prosecution said a report was made to the police who later retrieved 2 B B empty cartridges from the scene.

He said the accused went into hiding until March 6, 2020, when the complainant located his hide-out and alerted police, leading to his arrest together with some others.

Chief Inspector Agyei said an identification parade was conducted during which the victim identified Shaibu.