This case revolves around the theft of two industrial sewing machines from a warehouse located in Spintex, Accra, and the subsequent legal proceedings against the individuals involved. Mohammed Salisu, a 29-year-old former supervisor at the complainant’s bakery and restaurant, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of unlawful entry and theft. Salisu’s co-defendant, Mahama Shitu, a tailor residing in Adegonno, Nungua, was discharged of all charges related to conspiracy and unlawful entry after Salisu confessed to acting alone in the theft, only involving Shitu in the transportation of the stolen goods. The complainant, a businesswoman residing in Sakumono, had previously employed Salisu and suspected him in the theft of a “Motor King” valued at GHC39,000 in October 2024, leading to Salisu’s initial arrest and subsequent release on bail.
The narrative of the theft unfolds with Salisu exploiting his knowledge of the warehouse and possession of the keys to steal the two industrial sewing machines, each valued at GHC5,000. Following the theft, Salisu packed his belongings and absconded, effectively disappearing from the jurisdiction. The investigation took a turn when, months later, CCTV footage captured Salisu with Shitu, leading to Shitu’s arrest at the Sakumono Police Station. Shitu cooperated with the police, providing information that led them to Agona Swedru, where Salisu was believed to be hiding. However, Salisu managed to evade capture upon sighting the police. This cat-and-mouse game concluded with Salisu’s eventual arrest in Nungua on March 3, 2025.
During his interrogation, Salisu confessed to selling the stolen sewing machines for a significantly lower price of GHC2,000 in Togo. He failed, however, to disclose the identity of the buyer, hindering the recovery of the stolen property. Shitu, in his statement to the police, maintained his innocence, claiming ignorance of the machines’ illegal provenance. He asserted that he was merely assisting Salisu with transportation, unaware that he was participating in the handling of stolen goods. The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, accepted Salisu’s guilty plea and delivered a sentence of three years imprisonment. Shitu, due to Salisu’s exonerating testimony and lack of direct involvement in the theft itself, was acquitted and discharged.
The case highlights the complexities often involved in theft investigations, particularly when they cross international borders. Salisu’s decision to sell the machines in Togo added a layer of difficulty to the recovery process, as international cooperation and legal frameworks would be required to pursue the buyer. Furthermore, the disparity between the value of the stolen machines (GHC10,000) and the selling price (GHC2,000) suggests a desperation on Salisu’s part to quickly dispose of the stolen goods, possibly indicating financial distress or fear of apprehension. The case also underscores the importance of security measures, such as robust inventory management and restricted key access, to prevent internal theft. The complainant’s prior suspicion of Salisu in the “Motor King” theft suggests a potential pattern of dishonest behavior, highlighting the need for thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of employees entrusted with valuable assets.
The differing outcomes for Salisu and Shitu demonstrate the legal principle of individual culpability. While Salisu’s admission of guilt and the evidence against him led to his conviction and imprisonment, Shitu’s lack of direct involvement in the planning and execution of the theft, coupled with Salisu’s exonerating testimony, resulted in his acquittal. This distinction reinforces the importance of establishing clear evidence of individual participation and intent in criminal proceedings. The case serves as a reminder that legal consequences are tied to specific actions and levels of involvement, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to determine the precise roles played by each individual in a criminal act.
Finally, this case underscores the effectiveness of law enforcement cooperation and the use of technology in criminal investigations. The use of CCTV footage proved crucial in identifying Shitu’s connection to Salisu and ultimately led to Salisu’s apprehension. The collaboration between different police stations, particularly in tracking Salisu from Accra to Agona Swedru and finally to Nungua, demonstrates the importance of inter-agency communication and coordination in apprehending suspects. While the stolen goods remain unrecovered, the successful prosecution of Salisu sends a clear message about the consequences of theft and the commitment of law enforcement to pursue and bring perpetrators to justice. The case also provides a valuable lesson for businesses about the importance of internal controls, employee monitoring, and the potential risks associated with misplaced trust.
