This case involves an alleged robbery that took place in Dome Sampaman, Ghana, where three individuals, Richard Lamptey, Michael Tetteh, and Bright Boamah, all commercial motorbike riders, are accused of snatching a handbag from a trader, Madam Emelia Tettey. The handbag contained a substantial amount of cash, a high-value mobile phone, identification cards, and other personal belongings. The incident occurred in the early morning hours while Madam Tettey was waiting for transportation to a local market. The accused allegedly approached her on an unregistered motorbike, brandishing a machete and threatening violence if she did not comply with their demands. Fearing for her safety, Madam Tettey relinquished her bag.
The Amasaman Circuit Court has granted bail to the three accused individuals, setting it at GHC50,000.00 each. This significant bail amount reflects the seriousness of the alleged crime and the potential penalties they face if convicted. The court also stipulated specific conditions for the bail, requiring each of the accused to provide two sureties who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources through titled documents. Furthermore, the sureties are mandated to submit their valid national identity cards to the Court’s Registry, serving as an additional layer of accountability. These stringent bail conditions aim to ensure the accused persons’ appearance in court for subsequent proceedings.
The accused individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, denying any involvement in the robbery. They maintain their innocence, asserting that they did not conspire to rob Madam Tettey and did not commit the alleged act. This denial sets the stage for a legal battle where the prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The court has scheduled their next appearance for April 2, 2025, giving both the prosecution and the defense ample time to prepare their cases. This extended timeframe allows for a thorough investigation, the gathering of witness testimonies, and the analysis of any physical evidence related to the alleged crime.
The prosecution’s case, as presented by Police Chief Inspector Benjamin Arthur, outlines the sequence of events leading to the alleged robbery. He described how Madam Tettey was waiting for transportation when the accused individuals approached her aggressively, wielding a machete and demanding her possessions. The threat of violence, according to the prosecution, compelled Madam Tettey to hand over her bag, which contained a considerable sum of money, a valuable smartphone, and essential identification documents. Following the incident, law enforcement conducted an investigation, which led to the arrest of the three accused individuals.
The prosecution further revealed that during questioning, Michael Tetteh confessed to conspiring with Richard Lamptey and Bright Boamah to rob Madam Tettey. This confession, if deemed admissible in court, could significantly impact the outcome of the case. However, the admissibility of the confession will depend on the circumstances under which it was obtained and whether it complies with legal standards for due process and the protection of individual rights. The prosecution contends that this admission, along with other evidence gathered during the investigation, is sufficient to establish the guilt of the accused.
The case highlights the prevalence of motorbike-related crimes in some areas, as the accused individuals are all commercial motorbike riders. This mode of transportation, while providing essential services, can unfortunately be exploited for criminal activities. The use of an unregistered motorbike in the alleged robbery further complicates the matter, potentially hindering identification and tracking efforts. The case underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective strategies to address such criminal activities. The legal proceedings will unfold over the coming months, with the court ultimately determining the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented.
