Scrap dealer sentenced 10 years for robbery

An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Baba Mohammed, 22, alias “Botor” to 10 years imprisonment in hard labour for robbing one Bernard Anarfo of a Techno mobile phone valued GHc 340.00.

Mohammed pleaded guilty to the offence when he first appeared in court and he was convicted on his own plea but sentence was deferred to Friday.

Police Chief Inspector Godfred Asiedu Bampoe told the Court presided over by Mrs Ruby Naa Aryeetey that the Prosecution witness is a butcher and a motor rider, popularly known as “Okada” rider, a resident of James Town whilst the convict resided at Old Fadama, all suburbs of Accra.

Chief Inspector Bampoe said, on the November 16, this year, at about 19:30 hours, Anarfi who was in-charge of a Royal motor bike with the registration number M-18- GR-717 valued at GHc 3,200.00 dropped a pillion rider at Gailo-Way near Old Fadama.

He said Anarfi parked his motorbike and decided to assist a pillion rider with some of her goods to her house but on returning, spotted the convict and one other person, now at large, standing by his motor bike.

Chief Inspector Bampoe said a call came through for Anarfi on his cellular mobile phone and just as he was about to receive the call Mohammed quickly rushed to meet him half way and forcibly snatched the complainant’s mobile phone from him.

He said Anarfi followed the convict to a distance and pleaded that his phone be given him back, but Mohammed rather threatened to stab him.

Chief inspector Bampoe added that one Joseph Danso a witness and friend of the victim who also emerged at the scene was also threatened to be stabbed.

Having put fear in them, Mohammed took advantage and escaped.

The Prosecution said Anarfi returned to where he had parked his Royal motor bike only to find out that it had been stolen.

Anarfi lodged a formal complaint with the police and on November 20, he complainant spotted the convict at the London market area in James Town, where he raised alarm for his arrest and was handed over to the James Town police station.

In his caution statement, Mohammed admitted the offence, stating that the complainant pleaded with him to return his phone but, he refused and rather gave him his sim card.C

Chief inspector Bampoe said, after investigations the accused was charged with the offence and brought before court.