A 22-year-old security guard, Richmond Botwe, has been handed a 15-year custodial sentence by the Adenta Circuit Court for attempting to rob a Nigerian national of her mobile phone in Nmai Dzorn, a suburb of the Greater Accra Region.
The incident, which occurred on April 5, 2025, involved Ms. Tosin Adesokan, a professional hairstylist residing at Ashalley Botwe School Junction.
According to the prosecution, Botwe ambushed her in the early hours of the morning while she was making her way home.
Chief Inspector Eric Abban, who led the prosecution, told the court that Botwe, employed by a private security firm at Adjiriganor, abandoned his post at Caterpillar Junction around 4:00 a.m.
Armed with a kitchen knife tucked in his trousers, he allegedly trailed Ms. Adesokan as she approached her residence near the Manfranco Apartment, close to the Nmai Dzorn School Junction.
As she neared the entrance to the compound, Botwe reportedly attacked her from behind, stabbing her in the back and attempting to forcibly take her iPhone 14, which was valued at GHS15,000.
Despite the sudden attack and injury, the victim resisted and cried out for help. Her screams alerted a co-tenant, who rushed to the scene, intervened, and successfully subdued the attacker. Botwe was then handed over to officers from the Nmai Dzorn Police Station.
A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of the kitchen knife used in the assault. Botwe was arrested and charged with attempted robbery.
When brought before the Adenta Circuit Court, he pleaded guilty to the charge. Following his plea, he was remanded into custody while the court deferred sentencing.
In delivering judgment, the presiding judge acknowledged the convict’s decision to admit to the offence early in the proceedings, noting that he did not waste the court’s time.
