The Eastern Regional Police Command, working together with the Eastern South Regional Command, has arrested a man suspected of belonging to a criminal group linked to a number of highway robbery incidents.
The suspect, identified as Bube Gariba, was apprehended at Akateng, near Asesewa in the Eastern Region, on Tuesday, September 1, following an intelligence-driven police operation.
The arrest forms part of an ongoing security operation targeting a suspected robbery gang accused of attacking passengers along sections of the Accra-Kumasi Highway. Police say five recent incidents have been recorded at locations including Kwafokrom, Anoff, Apedwa, Adasawase-Ankaase and Enyiresi.
Preliminary questioning, according to the Police, suggests that Gariba may have taken part in three robbery operations around Anyinam. Investigators say he also disclosed receiving GH¢5,700 and GH¢1,500 as portions of the money allegedly obtained from the criminal activities.
Police further say the suspect mentioned three other individuals—Mohammadu, Ali and Abdulai—as alleged accomplices and identified a man known as Osmanu, who reportedly lives in Accra, as the suspected leader of the group. Gariba allegedly told investigators that Osmanu supplied two pump-action firearms used during the attacks.
During the operation, nine additional people were picked up and are being screened to determine whether they have any connection to the reported robberies. Police also arrested Karia Hawa Isha, the 22-year-old wife of alleged accomplice Mohammadu, after officers said she obstructed an attempt to arrest him.
The Police Service says investigations are continuing, while efforts are underway to locate other suspected members of the group. Authorities have appealed to the public to provide credible information that could help prevent highway robberies and improve security along major roads.
Source: GhanaNsem
