Two soldiers businessman face court over GHS1 million robbery charge

Two military officers and a businessman appeared before an Accra Circuit Court. They face charges for their alleged role in a robbery exceeding GHS1 million. The incident occurred in East Legon, Accra.

The accused military men are Aircraftmen Eugene Akurugu and Emmanuel Arko. Businessman Justin Yaw Oduro is also named. They are charged with conspiracy and four counts of robbery. All three denied the accusations. Seven other individuals are currently wanted by the police. They are identified as Ariyo Oluwa Femi, Hajia Baby, Aikins, Abotchie, Gatiso, Yaw, and Mohammed.

This case highlights ongoing issues with crime impacting business transactions in Ghana. Large sums of money moving between individuals, especially in sectors like car dealing, can attract criminal elements. The value of the stolen goods, approximately GHS1,075,820 (50 million CFA francs) plus an additional GHS92,950 (2 million CFA francs) in cash and valuables, underscores the significant financial stakes involved. The alleged arrest of the accused while planning another operation suggests a pattern of criminal activity targeting significant monetary exchanges.

The court granted each accused bail. The bail bond is set at GHS600,000. Each accused needs three sureties. These sureties must own landed property. They must also justify the bail amount. The accused must surrender their passports to the court. The case is now adjourned to July 6, 2026.

Lawyers for the accused argued for their release. They stated their clients are not flight risks. They live within the court’s jurisdiction. The prosecution opposed bail, citing the long time from the alleged offence in December 2025 to their arrest in May 2026. Police used intelligence to make the arrests. Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu led the prosecution. He described the accused as flight risks.

The alleged victims are car dealers Gbe Atse Hubert and Abdul Majid Inikly Ibrahim. They were targeted during a car purchase deal. A Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon was the item of sale. The price agreed was 50 million CFA francs. The transaction was meant to happen on December 22, 2025. The accused allegedly ambushed the victims. They were in military camouflage with pistols. They took the money and other items.

Police investigations began after a report. A suspect, Samuel Kobi, was arrested in Kumasi on January 11, 2026. He had Ibrahim’s stolen iPhone XR. He claimed to get it from his sister, Susana Kobi. Susana was arrested and stated her husband, Justin Yaw Oduro, gave her the phone. Further police intelligence led to the arrest of Oduro, Akurugu, and Arko on May 24, 2026.

The victims identified the accused at the police station. Police continue efforts to trace the other seven suspects. This case raises concerns about security during high-value transactions. It also highlights the potential for criminal elements to infiltrate various sectors.