Self-styled pastor remanded for robbery

Bright Debrah, a 28-year-old self-styled Pastor on Monday appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly robbing a taxi driver of GHC200.00 after pulling a knife.

Debrah is said to have pulled a knife on the driver whilst his accomplice now at large tried to strangle the complainant’s neck with a rope.

Charged with conspiracy to rob and robbery, Debrah pleaded not guilty and the court presided over by Mrs Abena Oppong Adjin Doku turned down a bail application put in by Debrah’s lawyer and remanded him into Police custody to reappear on January 2, next year.

Prosecuting Chief Inspector Kwabena Adu said the complainant Christian Mantse works with a Pharmaceutical Factory and he drives his own taxi cab while accused resides at Achimota in Accra.

Chief Adu said on December 10, this year, at about 20:30 hours Debrah stopped Mr Mante at Bubuashie and told him that he was going to East Legon.

Prosecution said after Debrah had bargained with the complainant on the fare another person joined the vehicle. On reaching a spot at East Legon, Debrah pulled a knife and ordered the driver to stop.

The accomplice tied the complainant’s neck with a rope from the back seat whilst the accused demanded and collected the cash of GH?200.00 from the complainant.

According to the prosecution, Debrah succeeded in removing the ignition key and threw same away.

Prosecution said the complainant shouted for help and that attracted the attention of a Policeman on duty nearby. The Policeman shouted at the accused to stop but he refused.

Debrah then threatened to stab a witness who attempted to apprehend him.

Prosecution said despite Debrah’s aggressiveness, he was apprehended by people around and escorted to the East Legon Police station with the knife.

The prosecution said efforts were being made to apprehend Debrah’s accomplice.