THE TEMA Regional Police Command have arrested a man believed to be behind the recent spate of armed robberies in the municipality and the Ada district.

The suspect, Ibrahim Mananu, popularly known as Abanawe, was arrested by the police on board a state transport vehicle at the terminus, apparently trying to flee to the North.

Chronicle learnt from the regional commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ms. Agnes O. Sika-Nartey, that following an armed robbery which took place at Lashibi on May 5, this year, seven suspects had been arrested through the efforts of the security agencies.

Investigations revealed that most of the stolen items were sold to Abanawe, who is allegedly a regular customer.

Chronicle further learnt from the Regional Commander that further investigations compelled one of the armed robbers to confess that he had sold one pistol at ?2 million to Abanawe.

According to Ms. Sika-Nartey, Abanawe, who had apparently heard the arrest of the seven suspected armed robbers, packed off his booty and was in the process of escaping to Tamale when he was grabbed by the police.

Chronicle learnt further that Abanawe had admitted buying the pistol from the armed robber, but it was paid for by his brother.

Items retrieved included Sharp system speakers, Pioneer Amplifiers, JVC video deck, Sharp remote system, Sony CD video, Hitachi video deck, 20' JVC colour TV, mixer and Panasonic recording deck.

Abanawe is cooling off in the police cells, pending further investigations.