Police ask for assistance to arrest armed robbers

Accra, June 23, GNA - The Police on Friday asked the public to assist them to arrest one "Dada", a resident of Teshie Zongo and his gang of robbers, who had been terrorizing residents of Nungua in Accra. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Douglas Akrofi Asiedu, Greater Accra Regional of Commander, however, said the Police would provide adequate security in the area to bring Dada and his gang to book.

Briefing the press on the spate of robberies in the Metropolis ACP Asiedu declared: "Any information on Dada believed to be in his youthful ages will receive a handsome cash reward." Commenting on the incidents of robbery in the Metropolis, ACP Asiedu said since January to June this year, 31 robberies had been recorded. He said the Police had busted a 16-member syndicate of Nigerian armed robbers, who had committed robberies since February 2006 in and around Dome Pillar Two; West Legon; Kwabenya; Parakuo Estates; Ashongman; Haatso and Atomic areas.

Those arrested in separate operations included Emmanuel Emeka, alias Big Ifeanyi; Ekena Fela Obinna; Promise, who is dark in complexion; Samuel Tanko alias Funky Small Ifeanyi; Promise (fair in complexion) and Joseph Chiojoke. "Despite strenuous efforts during investigations and operations, these criminals continued to rob with impunity and on a number of occasions robbed victims in the same location," the Regional Commander said. He said the most recent robbery perpetrated by the group was on June 16, when Big Ifeanyi; Promise; Emeka; Kingsley; Ekene and Fela robbed some residents at Kwabenya and made away with mobile phones, a laptop, watches, electric shaver, camera and some local and foreign currencies.

Four of the suspects, Emmanuel Benjamin; Precious Innoro; Kosisi Okechwuku and Godwin Nwankpo were arrested last year and have been helping the Police in their investigations. ACP Asiedu said Kingsley, alias K.C.; Ekene; Obina; Promise (fair in complexion); Nnesi and Mbasi; all Nigerians, were on the run and added that the Police was prepared to reward persons, who volunteered information leading to their arrest. He said the arrest of "Big Ifeanyi" was significant because he was known to be the main force behind some criminal activities and was also responsible for recruiting jobless Ibos from Nigeria. Items retrieved from them were one Baikal Pump Action Gun; 59 12-bore AA cartridges; 32 rounds of ammunition; three locally manufactured pistols; one foreign made pistol and a cutter used for break-ins.

The Leader of the group, Emmanuel Emeka alias Big Ifeanyi, was arrested at Tudu where he had just disposed of some mobile phones he had snatched from their owners during the robberies. ACP Asiedu said the group operated at East Legon until two of them identified only as Valentine and Ottuo were killed early this year by residents during a robbery incident at East Legon. The Regional Commander said after the death of the two robbers they changed their modus operandi and switched their operational grounds. He said Big Ifeanyi always carried a pump action gun and strapped bullets in belts across his shoulders like a commando and with his huge frame most of the victims identified him. ACP Asiedu said Big Ifeanyi's confession and intelligence reports gathered through informants and victims led to the arrest of some of the members of his group.