By Joyce Danso
Accra, Nov. 21, GNA – An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Dan Chukwu, a Nigerian national, to 30 years in prison in absentia after he was convicted of conspiracy and robbery.
Chukwu, along with an accomplice named Bight and another individual, was involved in the robbery of a Nigerian businessman, stealing GHC150,000 that was intended for the purchase of a vehicle.
The court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, found Chukwu guilty on both charges after a trial conducted in his absence, as per a request by the prosecution under Article 19 (3) (a) of the 1992 Constitution.
Chukwu was sentenced to 30 years on the charge of conspiracy and 30 years on the charge of robbery, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Although Chukwu initially pleaded not guilty, he had been granted bail earlier in the proceedings but failed to appear after the prosecution called its first witness.
Despite a bench warrant being issued for his arrest, Chukwu could not be located, and his accomplices, Bright and another individual, were also not apprehended.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Welhemina Kwafo, presented evidence through witnesses to establish the case against Chukwu.
The facts presented in court revealed that the complainant, Eyuson Mishach, a Nigerian businessman residing at Musuku near Dome in Accra, was targeted by Chukwu and his accomplices, one named Bright and another who remains unidentified.
On December 16, 2022, Mishach received a call from Bright, who offered a Hyundai Elantra 2014 model for sale.
Later that day, at around 1830 hours, Mishach arrived at Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout along the motorway with GHC150,000 in cash to purchase the car.
Upon arrival, Bright informed him that someone was bringing the vehicle from Tema.
While waiting, Chukwu, armed with a pistol, and another accomplice approached Mishach.
Chukwu ordered Mishach to hand over the bag containing the money, threatening to shoot him if he refused.
He then fired a warning shot.
In fear, Mishach handed over his bag, which contained GHC150,000 in cash, an iPhone 13 Pro Max worth GHC12,000, and an Infinix Hot 11 phone valued at GHC1,100.
Chukwu and his accomplices quickly fled the scene, with Bright also disappearing.
Mishach raised an alarm, and bystanders, including Alidu Shaibu and Kofi Eddie Danquah, helped to chase after the robbers.
Chukwu was eventually apprehended, but Bright and the other accomplice managed to escape.
Chukwu, when arrested, requested to contact his accomplices in an effort to retrieve the stolen money.
He also asked to be taken to Abeka Lapaz to meet them, but when they arrived, Chukwu’s accomplices did not show up.
He was subsequently escorted to the Tesano Police Station.
On December 17, 2022, the police brought Chukwu to the Airport Police for further investigation.
During questioning, Chukwu denied his involvement in the robbery.
He claimed that upon hearing people shouting and running at Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout, he started running too but denied committing the crime.
GNA