This case revolves around the theft of a Toyota bus and the subsequent arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. The narrative begins with Joseph Addy, a businessman residing in North Kaneshie, who owned the ill-fated vehicle. He had entrusted the bus, a white Toyota with registration number GT 4403-15, to a commercial driver named Yaw Mensah. Unfortunately, the bus developed a mechanical fault while in operation and was consequently parked at Sarpeiman, a town located along the Accra-Nsawam road. Duly informed about the situation, Mr. Addy, accompanied by a mechanic, visited the location to assess and repair the vehicle. However, their initial attempts to fix the problem proved unsuccessful, and they were forced to postpone the completion of the repairs.
The unfortunate turn of events unfolded on June 3, 2025. As Mr. Addy and the mechanic were en route to Sarpeiman to finalize the repair work, they received a distressing call from Mr. Mensah, the driver. The bus had been stolen, and its whereabouts were unknown. This shocking news prompted Mr. Addy to immediately file a formal complaint with the Amasaman Police Station, initiating the official investigation into the theft.
Four days later, a breakthrough occurred. On June 7, 2025, at approximately 1:30 pm, the police received a crucial tip-off. The information revealed that a 35-year-old driver named Kwadwo Larbi had towed the stolen vehicle to a scrap yard in Kasoa, a town known for its bustling market and metalwork industry. Larbi’s intention, it appeared, was to sell the stolen bus for scrap metal. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the Kasoa Police apprehended Larbi, preventing the potential dismantling and sale of Mr. Addy’s vehicle.
Upon his arrest and subsequent cautioning, Larbi offered an explanation for his actions. He claimed that an individual named Godwin Baah, a resident of Sarpeiman, had contracted him to tow and dispose of the bus as scrap. However, despite this claim, Larbi was unable to provide any information that would assist the police in locating this alleged accomplice. The elusive Mr. Baah remains at large. With no corroborating evidence to support Larbi’s claim of a conspiracy, and with the stolen vehicle found in his possession, the focus of the investigation remained squarely on him.
The legal proceedings against Larbi commenced at the Amasaman Circuit Court. He was charged with the theft of the Toyota bus, valued at GH¢70,000. Standing before Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court Judge presiding over the Circuit Court, Larbi pleaded guilty to the charge. This admission of guilt streamlined the legal process, obviating the need for a lengthy trial. However, he maintained his innocence regarding the alleged conspiracy with Godwin Baah, denying any collaborative effort in the theft.
The court, presided over by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, considered Larbi’s guilty plea and the evidence presented by the prosecution. Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru detailed the sequence of events leading to Larbi’s arrest, from the initial report of the stolen vehicle to the tip-off that led police to the scrap yard in Kasoa. The prosecution successfully established Larbi’s possession of the stolen vehicle and his intent to dispose of it, solidifying his culpability in the crime. While Larbi claimed to have been contracted by another individual, he couldn’t provide any information that would lead to the apprehension of this alleged accomplice.
Given the circumstances, the court delivered its verdict. Kwadwo Larbi was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labor. This sentence reflects the severity of the crime, the significant value of the stolen vehicle, and Larbi’s demonstrable intent to profit from its illegal disposal. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting in cases of vehicle theft, as well as the effectiveness of police work in responding to such incidents. While the alleged accomplice remains at large, the successful prosecution of Larbi brings a measure of closure to the victim, Mr. Addy, and serves as a deterrent to potential car thieves.
