A 20-year-old driver, Kwabena Gyimah, also known as “69,” has been arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing mobile phones from a journalist and two other individuals in Sakumono, Community 17.
Gyimah, who faces three counts of unlawful entry and three counts of stealing, pleaded not guilty to all charges. His alleged accomplice, identified as “Coded,” also known as IB, is currently at large.
The court, presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, granted Gyimah bail in the amount of GHC 50,000 with three sureties. Gyimah is also required to report to the police weekly until the case concludes.
The case has been adjourned to February 4, 2025.
Incident Details
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Benjamin Kofi Baafi, presenting the facts, stated that the first complainant, John Foley, a journalist; the second complainant, Andy Ababio, a banker; and the third complainant, Vida Akwei Naadude, all residents of Community 17, reported their phones stolen.
According to the prosecution, on August 5, 2024, John Foley discovered his iPhone 14 Pro Max missing and his window open. CCTV footage captured Gyimah on the complainant’s property. Foley reported the incident to the Sakumono police and shared the footage on a community WhatsApp platform.
Two other residents, Ababio and Naadude, responded to the post, confirming that their phones, including an iPhone 11, Samsung S22 Ultra, and Samsung A5, had also been stolen under similar circumstances.
Investigations and Arrest
Police investigations led to the recovery of the journalist’s iPhone 14 Pro Max at an iPhone shop in Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra.
On December 31, 2024, Gyimah was arrested at his hideout in Palladium, Accra, and handed over to the Sakumono police on January 3, 2025.
In his caution statement, Gyimah admitted to selling the stolen phones to a Nigerian man identified as “Coded,” who remains at large.
Bail and Legal Proceedings
While ASP Baafi did not oppose bail, he requested strict conditions to ensure Gyimah’s attendance at court proceedings. Defense counsel Mr. Kofi Bonney also requested bail for his client.
The court’s decision to grant bail is accompanied by a directive for Gyimah to report weekly to the police.
The police continue efforts to apprehend “Coded” and retrieve the other stolen phones. The case remains under investigation.
