Three more people in court over Ecobank robbery

Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - Three more persons have been arrested and put before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the recent robbery at the Accra Mall branch of Ecobank. They are Allando Ajeopo, a security man, Mohammed Awudu, a tailor and Mohammed Saddiq, unemployed.

Rabiu aka Baba Hassan, an accomplice is said to be at large. Earlier, two accused persons, Francis Agbemade and Kofi Yeboah, both security men, had appeared before the court. They were granted GHc100,000 bail each with two sureties because the court contended that prosecution had not been able to exhibit their role in the robbery. When the case was called on Thursday, Deputy Superintendent of Police Kofi Blagodzi, prosecuting, substituted the charge sheet and facts.

Agbemade, Yeboah, Ajoepo, Rabui, Awudu aka Rigah and Saddiq have been charged with conspiracy to rob. Rabui and Awudu have been additionally charged with robbery, while Saddiq is additionally charged with abetment of robbery. They have pleaded not guilty to the various charges. The court admitted Agbemade and Yeboah to their former bail terms. However, it remanded Ajeopo, Awudu and Saddiq in police custody on the grounds that the facts connected them to the crime. Rabui has been charged in absentia.

All the accused persons are expected to re-appear on August 31. While they were being escorted to a waiting Police car, the accused persons grumbled that if they had robbed the bank, they would not have dressed shabbily to court. DSP Blagodzi presenting the facts said on July 21, this year, a group of armed robbers attacked Accra Shopping Mall branch of Ecobank, at gun point and succeeded in taking away cash made up of GHc110,306.50 48,632 dollars, 5,250 Euros and 4,500 pounds sterling. He said Agbemade and Yeboah who were security men on duty at the car park in front of the bank and banking hall respectively, conspired to assist Rabiu, now at large and Awudu to execute their diabolical act.

Prosecution said Ajeopo also a security man conspired with Rabiu and provided him (Rabiu) with the necessary security tips relating to the bank's activities and after the robbery updated Rabiu with the state of affairs.

DSP Blagodzi said Police intelligence led to the arrest of Ajeopo who confessed that he had planned the robbery with Rabiu who recruited Awudu and Saddiq and others now at large to rob the bank. He said Awudu therefore assisted Rabiu and they held the bank's staff including a security man hostage, then Rabiu rushed on a witness in the case and collected the various monies at gun point. DSP Blagodzi said while Rabui collected the money, Awudu stood at the banking hall's entrance with a pistol to ward off intruders. After the act, the prosecutor said Saddiq picked up Rabiu and Awudu on his yellow unregistered motorbike and fled. 18 Aug. 11