An ex-convict, Vincent Gbetorglo, has been arrested in connection with a violent robbery and carjacking incident reported earlier this year by a taxi driver.

A search during his arrest led to the recovery of four mobile phones. One of the phones was confirmed to belong to Vic Martin Obeng, a taxi driver who was attacked and robbed on New Year’s Day.

​The arrest follows a complaint filed by Obeng on January 6, 2025, at the CID Headquarters.

Obeng reported that on January 1, around 9:00 p.m., while driving his ash-and-yellow Toyota Corolla taxi (registration number GM 296-16), he was violently attacked by three passengers at Madina Zongo Junction.

​The driver told police that the young men hired him to drive them to Haatso.

Upon reaching a section of the road near the Haatso ICGC Church, the passengers allegedly attacked him.

​“They attacked me inside the vehicle, covered my face with my own shirt, and tied me up,” he narrated.

​A statement issued by the police further explained that the suspects forced the victim to lie on the floor of the back seat, took control of the vehicle, and stole his daily sales, mobile phone, and GHC 13,000 in mobile money.

They then abandoned him near Westland.

​Following the report, investigators visited the crime scene and launched a manhunt with support from informants.

Gbetorglo was eventually apprehended with the stolen mobile phone in his possession.

​During interrogation, Gbetorglo claimed he had bought the phones at Kwame Nkrumah Circle but was unable to identify or lead police to the alleged seller. It was later revealed that Gbetorglo is an ex-convict who was sentenced in 2011 by the Cocoa Affairs Court 1 to a 40-year prison term. He was released in 2023 after a successful appeal.

​Meanwhile, police have discovered through their investigation that the robbery is part of a wider pattern involving a criminal syndicate that targets taxi drivers through violent attacks.

Intelligence gathered so far indicates that the methods used—including abduction, robbery, and attempted killings—mirror tactics seen in similar recent cases and may involve other ex-convicts.

​Police have revealed they are pursuing the other accomplices in connection with the incident and are also working to retrieve the stolen vehicle.

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