Okada rider arrested for robbing Namibian High Commission staff member in Accra

Police have arrested a 24-year-old okada rider in connection with a robbery attack on a staff member of the Namibian High Commission in the Airport Residential Area, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Daniel Ashiagbe was apprehended by the Accra Regional Police Command following investigations into the February 23 incident, which targeted a diplomatic staff member as she walked toward the Namibian High Commission.

According to police reports, the victim was approached by a young man on a motorbike who snatched her handbag and fled the scene. The victim filed a formal complaint on February 25.

The stolen bag contained valuables estimated at approximately GH¢30,000, including an iPhone 15 Pro Max valued at GH¢19,000, a Huawei P50 Pro worth GH¢11,000, the victim’s Namibian diplomatic passport, driver’s licence, ATM cards, and office and house keys.

Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests

Police tracking led them to Miracle Asare, 26, a spare parts dealer around Galawe near the Agbogbloshie Total filling station, where one of the stolen phones was recovered. Two phone dealers at Kwame Nkrumah Circle were subsequently arrested for their alleged involvement in the sale of the stolen devices.

The second phone was traced to Dansoman, leading to another arrest as investigators worked to dismantle the network connected to the robbery.

Suspect Confesses

During interrogation, Ashiagbe reportedly confessed to carrying out the robbery. He admitted to selling the iPhone 15 Pro Max for GH¢2,500 at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and disposing of the Huawei phone for GH¢1,000.

In a disturbing revelation, investigators stated that the suspect confessed to burning the victim’s diplomatic passport and other official documents contained in the handbag.

Police believe Ashiagbe may be connected to other robberies in parts of Accra, with investigations ongoing.

Separate Incident: Replica Firearm Arrest

In a related development, the Weija Divisional Police Command arrested Jeffrey Selassie Johnson for allegedly threatening an Uber driver with a toy pistol during a fare dispute.

Police said Johnson hired the driver from Weija China Mall to Aplaku but refused to pay upon arrival. He allegedly retrieved a replica Beretta pistol from his room to threaten the driver, who promptly alerted police. A search of Johnson’s room led to recovery of the imitation firearm, and the case has been forwarded to court.

Police Warning

The Accra Regional Police Command has warned the public against engaging in criminal activities and cautioned individuals dealing in stolen property that they risk arrest and prosecution.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combating robbery and other crimes to ensure resident safety in the region.