Three Robbers Jailed for 19 Years Over iPhone 6s Selfie Scam in Ho
Convicts lured victim with selfie request, attacked him with scissors, and fled with stolen phone
- Three convicts jailed for a total of 19 years over violent iPhone 6s robbery in Ho
- Victim was lured with a selfie request before being attacked with scissors
- Swift public action led to arrests and successful prosecution
The Ho Circuit Court has sentenced three individuals to a total of 19 years in prison for a violent robbery involving the theft of an iPhone 6s near the Ho Central Market.
The convicts—22-year-old Mercy Sokpe, 25-year-old Atsu Kamasa, and 19-year-old Godfred Dzidonu—were jailed on Friday, May 9, 2025, after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.
His Honour Osman Abdul-Hakeem presided over the case.
According to a statement by DSP Felix Danku, Public Affairs Officer of the Ghana Police Service in the Volta Region, the robbery occurred on May 4, 2025, at around 4:30 p.m.
The trio targeted 21-year-old Elijah Torgbedzi, scheming to steal his iPhone 6s, valued at GH¢700.
The plan was deceptively simple: Mercy Sokpe approached the victim, requesting a selfie with his phone. Once she had it, she signalled her accomplices. Kamasa and Dzidonu then attacked Mr. Torgbedzi with a pair of scissors and fled with the phone.
The victim’s cries for help prompted a swift response from bystanders, leading to the arrest of Godfred Dzidonu, who was found with the stolen phone.
Police investigations quickly led to the arrest of the other two suspects from their hideouts in Ho.
In court, all three pleaded guilty. They each received a three-year sentence for conspiracy. Additionally, Kamasa and Dzidonu were handed five-year sentences each for the robbery, bringing the total combined sentence to 19 years.
The Ghana Police Service praised the community’s rapid response and emphasized the importance of public cooperation in combating crime.
“The Police would like to advise the public to be alert, vigilant, and cautious of persons who may approach them for help,” DSP Danku cautioned.
The sentencing brings a measure of justice to the case and serves as a reminder of the growing threat of opportunistic crime.
