Tema police nabs suspected killer

Ernest Awaya, 36 years old land guard, has been apprehended by Tema Police for allegedly being behind some killings in the Metropolis from 2013 to date.

Awaya, also known as Mustapha Awaya, and other accomplices are believed to be behind the death of Mr Kofi Quist, an immigration officer residing at Mataheko and Mr Samuel Davis Ayibah, a businessman at Tema Community four.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Beatrice Zakpaa Vib-Sanziri, Tema Regional Police Commander, told the media the arrest of the suspect was through the assistance of some law abiding citizens.

DCOP Vib-Sanziri said Awaya was apprehended on Monday at about 2300 hours at Ashaiman Ashawo Line.

She indicated that Awaya has been on the Police wanted list for long, noting that " he as well doubles as land guard, very slippery, dangerous and is involved in a lot of robbery cases under investigations".

She called on the public to participate in an identification parade to be organised by the command for victims to identify the suspect.

The Commander cautioned the public against the buying of stolen electrical gadgets and jewelleries from robbers but rather report anybody who brought suspected stolen items for sale.

He announced that the Command would soon arrest patrons of stolen items, including wedding rings.

Recalling some of the murders, she said on Tuesday, March 25, at about 2230 hours, Mr Ayibah, 55, a business man, was shot in the head which resulted in the total destruction of the left eye and subsequent death.

She said information gathered at the time indicated that the deceased who lived at E Road, Community 4, parked his Toyota Highlander outside his house.

At about 2230 hours, he decided to move the vehicle into his house and just at the entrance of his gate, two gunmen on a motorbike fired at him and sped off, which resulted in the instant death of the businessman.

"Further enquiries revealed that Awaya was the pillion passenger and Iddrisu Kenkensu alias Idi was the main rider, all armed, went to community 3, E road, and Awaya shot the deceased without provocation and sped off", the Commander added.

On the killing of the immigration officer, she stated that on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at about 0300 hours, Mr Defor, 36, was shot on the right shoulder and became unconscious.

DCOP Vib-Sanziri added that his assailants, not satisfied, used a hoe to hit him until he died in the presence of his wife, his three months old baby and other relatives.