Nigerien couple arrested for GHC16K robbery

A Nigerien man, Jamal Mahamadu, 28, and his 27-year-old wife, Naser Mahamadu have been arrested by the Police in Brong Ahafo region after they stole nearly Ghc16,000 from a shop, selling construction materials in Tamale.

The two suspects, according to police, on Monday, June 11, 2018, approached the shop owner, Aminu Haruna and introduced themselves as charity workers who were building mosques for some Muslims in the region’s remote villages.

Presenting the information to journalists at the police regional command in Tamale, police Superintendent Kusi Appiah, the Regional Crime Officer, said the couple came to the shop and managed to lure the owner that were buying some building materials for the charity work.

Kusi Appiah explained that the husband managed to engage the shop owner in a conversation and was able to convince him to take a walk away from the office where the money was kept.

According to the Crime Officer, the wife who was left behind then sneaked into the room and picked the money; GH15, 400.00, from a drawer.

The two left the shop area almost immediately after the heist in a Toyota Corolla vehicle but an informant was able to identify the registration number of the vehicle as GE 4547-18.

Superintendent Kusi said the police issued a wireless message after the shop owner reported the issue, informing officers across the region about the crime.

He said the vehicle was intercepted by police at Techiman in the Brong Ahafo region few hours after the wireless message. He said a search by officers found the amount and the two were taken into custody.

The crime officer said the two had been transferred to Tamale and have been charged with conspiracy to steal and stealing.

They are expected to have their first appearance in court today, Wednesday 13, to face the charges.

The police revealed the couple were already on a wanted list for stealing GH3,000 from a mobile money vendor three months ago.

According to police, complainant Mrs Iddrisu Alimatu reported that the couple approached her in March this year and stole the money while she was busy serving clients.