Two former security officers and a civilian have each been sentenced to 30 years in prison for robbery by the Accra Circuit Court.
The convicted individuals include Michael Baffour, a dismissed soldier and driver; Isaac Amejor, a dismissed police officer and driver; and Saddick Muntakilu, an unemployed civilian.
They were found guilty of robbing a nurse of her iPhone 11 Pro Max and GHC 40,700 in cash. The robbery occurred on March 2, 2023, in Adjiriganor, Greater Accra, shortly after the victim withdrew the money from a bank.
Charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, the court, presided over by Evelyn Asamoah, found them guilty and sentenced each to 30 years for both charges, with sentences to run concurrently.
In delivering the sentence, the judge highlighted the increasing number of crimes committed by security personnel, noting that such actions threaten national peace and security. She emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime and the lack of remorse shown by the accused as reasons for the harsh sentence.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah, urged the court to impose a deterrent punishment, stressing the seriousness of the offence and the suffering endured by the victim.
Defense counsel for Muntakilu, Mr. Raphael Kofi Bonin, requested a minimum sentence focused on rehabilitation, but this plea was denied.
The robbery occurred after the complainant withdrew money from the Ghana Commercial Bank for a housing project.
She was forced into a taxi by the accused and driven to a remote area, where they handcuffed, tasered, and threatened her before stealing her belongings.
After abandoning her in the bushes, the complainant managed to escape and sought help, leading to the arrest of the accused on March 28, 2023.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Baffour and Amejor were both dismissed from their respective security roles, while Muntakilu was unemployed.
All three were identified by the victim in an identification parade and admitted to the crime in their caution statements.
