Three Men Sentenced to 50 Years Behind Bars After Failed Cocoa Clerk Robbery
Armed gang’s midnight heist foiled by vigilant witness, leading to swift community action and arrests.
- The trio planned to rob a cocoa clerk but were exposed by a witness
- They received a total of 50 years in prison after being found guilty
- A fourth suspect remains on the run as police intensify their search
The Assin-Kyerewere Circuit Court has sentenced three men, a Nigerian national and two Ghanaians to a combined 50 years in prison for an attempted robbery at Wawase-Semanhyia in the Assin North District.
The convicts, Francis Baidoo, 30, a driver; Wisdom Aleki, 24, a tricycle rider; and Mohammed Baba, 38, a Nigerian beautician, pleaded not guilty but were convicted at the end of their trial.
A fourth suspect, Francis Larbi, remains at large, with police intensifying efforts to apprehend him.
Presiding Judge Emmanuel Amoh-Yartey sentenced Baidoo and Aleki to 15 years each for conspiracy to commit a crime and attempted robbery, while Baba received 20 years for conspiracy, causing harm, and attempted robbery.
According to Chief Inspector Gilbert Abagna Anyongo, the convicts plotted to rob cocoa-purchasing clerk Emmanuel Obese on December 19, 2024. They hired a Toyota Vitz from Accra Mall and traveled to Wawase-Semanhyia, arriving at around 1:00 a.m., armed with a short gun and other weapons.
Their plan unraveled when a vigilant witness raised an alarm. As they attempted to flee into the bush, a community-led manhunt led to their capture. During the escape, Baba and Baidoo attacked and injured commuters but were eventually subdued and arrested.
Police are still pursuing the fugitive suspect, Larbi.
