Bawku (U/E), May 26, GNA - Three suspected armed robbers, who attempted to rob a science teacher of Bawku Secondary Technical School, with a stolen pistol have been arrested by the Bawku police. The pistol was reportedly stolen from the Customs, Excise and Preventive Services (CEPS).

Reuben Awampaga, 20, Yakubu Mumuni, 24, and Fuseini Alhassan, 22, allegedly assaulted their victim severely when he resisted fearlessly, according to the Bawku Police Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Bledjumah, told the Ghana News Agency. A fourth suspect, whose name is being withheld for security reasons is at large.

He said on May 19 at about 2300 hours, Rueben, Yakubu and the suspect at large, who were the victim's neighbour, knocked at his door and informed him that they had a message for him from Navrongo. He said the teacher, who became apprehensive of the call at that time of the night, opened his door slightly to confirm the identities of the callers only for them to forcefully push door open.

C/Supt Bledjumah said when the three entered the teacher's living room; he put up a resistant, resulting in a struggle during which the suspects severely hit him with a crow bar.

The teacher's wife reportedly exited the room through a back door and raised an alarm, causing the suspects to flee leaving behind the crow bar, a slipper and an orange cap, after firing some shots in the air.

According to the Divisional commander, another neighbour who visited the victim was found out that the cap belonged to Reuben and caused his arrest.

Rueben initially denied taking part in the attempted robbery. However, his mother identified a mark on the cap as belonging to her son.

The GNA heard that Reuben mentioned his accomplices and their hideout and when the police went to arrest them, one Fuseini Alhassan at Zebilla obstructed them, causing the fourth suspect to escape. A CEPS pistol, which has been missing for the past one year, was found in their possession. 25 May 06