Court sentences robber to 40 years imprisonment

A Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Amo-Yartey has sentenced a robber to 40 years imprisonment in hard labour.

Osman Seidu, alias “Ninja”, 23, a scrap dealer, attacked and robbed a restaurant operator at New Suame in Kumasi at gun point.

He pleaded guilty.

An Assistant State-Attorney, Ms Loretta Yeboah, told the court that the crime was committed on February 28, at about 2200 hours.

The victim, Vida Ofori, had engaged the services of a taxi driver to send her home after the close of work.

Ms Yeboah said Seidu was trailing the victim in another taxi and as soon as she came down the convict attacked and seized her handbag containing cash of GH¢670.00, Samsung cellular phone and make-up set.

He fled and a formal report was made to the Ashanti Regional Police Criminal Investigation Department.

The prosecution said investigations led to his arrest, while the stolen cellular phone and cash of GH¢120.00 were recovered from him.

Justice Amo-Yartey, passing judgement, expressed concern about the rising incidence of robbery and said there was the need for stiffer punishment to the criminals to serve as deterrent.