A 37-year-old driver, who allegedly robbed and raped a lady passenger at Sepaase in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District, has been remanded into prison custody by the Nkawie Circuit Court.

The plea of Mohammed Faisal was not taken and he was ordered to re-appear on Tuesday September 4.

Police Chief Inspector Philip Jagri told the court, presided over by Justice Frank Owusu Afriyie, that the victim joined a taxi driven by the accused on August 11, from Abrepo in Kumasi to Sepaase.

He said there were three other passengers in the taxi when the victim boarded it, but they got down at Abuakwa leaving her and Faisal alone in the car.

The prosecution said as they got closer to Sepaase, the accused suddenly stopped the car and pulled out a gun and ordered her to surrender all her money and other valuables.

She quickly handed over to him a cash amount of GH¢270.00 on her. Faisal after taking the money raped the lady and sped-off.

Police Chief Inspector Jagri said the victim managed to take down the registration number of the taxi and made a report to the executive of the Abrepo Taxi Drivers Union.

The accused resurfaced at the taxi rank, one week after the crime and was asked to report to the Abuakwa police.

Some members of the union were detailed to join him in his car to the police station but midway through the journey, he decided to change course.

In an attempt to force him to drive to the police station by the escorts, a struggle ensued and he lost control of the vehicle, hitting and killing a young boy who was standing by the roadside in the process.

The vehicle finally crashed into an electricity pole, which fell on the vehicle, setting it ablaze.

Faisal was overpowered and handed over to the police.