Trader remanded for attempting steal from bank

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - An Accra Circuit on Thursday remanded into prison custody a trader, who presented a fake identity card in an attempt to steal 5,000 dollars from Makola Branch of the Prudential Bank with a Western Union Secured Transfer Confirmation Form. Sule Hamidu, who is being held for conspiracy to steal, attempt to commit crime and possessing forged document, pleaded not guilty. The Court remanded Hamidu into prison custody to reappear on February 8.

It further issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Iddi Amadu Lawe, a businessman and accomplice, who failed to appear before the Court.

Prosecuting, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr Eric Amoako said on July 8, 2006, Hamidu and Lawe agreed to steal from Prudential Bank. The Prosecution said Lawe gave Hamidu a Western Union Transfer form bearing the name of Alibaba Bello to go to the bank to withdraw 5,000 dollars.

Hamidu went with a fake identity card with his picture and bearing the name Alibaba Bello to facilitate the withdrawal of 5,000 dollars alleged to have been sent to Lawe by one Barry Melrose in Canada. The Prosecution said Hamidu proceeded to the bank, filled a request form and presented it to the Cashier, who found it to be forged. The Cashier confronted Hamidu but he could not give any explanation so he was handed over to the Police.

During interrogation, Hamidu said Lawe gave him the documents to go and withdraw the money for him.

When the Police picked up Lawe, he also stated that he also did that on someone's behalf.