Crime & Punishment of Thursday, 29 July 2004

Source: GNA

Court remands two alleged armed robbers

Kumasi, July 29, GNA- A Kumasi circuit court on Wednesday remanded in custody two alleged armed robbers who attempted to rob a second hand clothes dealer at Alabar in Kumasi at gunpoint last month. Abdallah Iddrisu alias 'Tiger' and Baba Kutari also known as Napoleon, all drivers, whose pleas were not taken, would re-appear on September 3, 2004.

A third person, Haruna Issaka alias Hamidu, who sustained gun shot wounds during a shoot out with the police, is on admission at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) under tight security.

Police Chief Inspector John Afful told the court that on June 18, this year, at about 1630 hours, the three-armed robbers entered the shop of one Osei Kwabena, a second hand clothes dealer at Alabar and feigned interest in buying some of the clothes.

He said immediately Osei Kwabena entered the shop to collect the clothes the accused persons wanted to buy, Iddrisu pulled a gun on him and ordered him to surrender all the money he had on him.

Chief Inspector Afful said when Osei Kwabena refused to comply, Iddrisu fired a warning shot, which attracted the attention of other traders and shoppers, who decided to go to the aid of the victim. He said the robbers who wielded guns and cutlasses, threatened to kill anyone who would come closer.

Chief Inspector Afful said the police who had been informed about the robbery, stormed the place but the robbers on seeing them opened fire and the police replied injuring Haruna.

The prosecution said Iddrisu and Kutari escaped but they were arrested last Saturday following a tip-off.

The police retrieved one of the guns, allegedly used by the robbers in the shootout.