The Accra High Court has remanded into prison custody a self-styled businessman for allegedly robbing high-profile personalities including a former Second Lady of their valuable items.
The accused, Yahuza Osumanu according to reports robbed Matilda Yaaba Amissah Arthur by strangling her and repeatedly hitting her head with his gun.
The prosecution revealed that Osumanu ran away with GH₵28,000, £50, and $2,200 during the robbery at the former Second Lady’s residence.
Apart from the former Second Lady, the accused is believed to have carried out other robberies using the same method on businessmen and women in affluent communities, stealing valuables totaling millions of Ghana cedis.
Among the valuable items allegedly stolen from the victims are two Rolex watches worth $61,000, two Cartier wristwatches worth $19,000, an iPhone 15 Pro Max worth $1,000, jewellery worth $50,000, and more.
Additionally, the prosecution disclosed that the accused used proceeds from the crimes to acquire luxury cars and apartments for himself, including a Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Prado, and Lexus, among others.
In court on Tuesday, April 16, the prosecution led by Chief State Attorney (CSA) Frances M. Ansah said during the second quarter of 2023, the Police CID received numerous complaints of residential robberies committed by a single armed man in areas including Airport, Cantonments, Tesano, and Ridge.
On September 17, 2023, a complainant reported to Airport Police that his residence at Kaeela Court Apartments, Airport Residential Area, had been robbed around 2:30 am.
Upon receiving the complaint, a police team was dispatched to the scene. The complainant stated that the accused entered his room, pointed a pistol, and demanded money and valuables, resulting in the loss of Rolex watches, cash, and other items.
CCTV footage from Kaeela Courts Apartments provided by Dr. Abu Sakara Foster on December 4, 2023, aided in identifying the accused.
Further incidents of robbery were reported on December 4 and December 5, 2023, involving Daniel Kwame Osafo, Tracy Osei-Hyeaman, and Mrs. Amissah Arthur.
The accused allegedly pointed a pistol at the victims, demanded valuables, and fled the scene after robbing them.
CCTV footage and other evidence from these incidents led to the identification and pursuit of the accused, culminating in his arrest on December 15, 2023, in Kasoa.
Yahuza Osumanu was subsequently slapped with 26 counts comprising 20 counts of robbery and six counts of money laundering but pleaded not guilty to the charges in court.
The court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo then remanded into prison custody and the accused to reappear on May 2, 2024.
Source: Myrepubliconline