Liberian refugee in court for stealing mobile phone

Awutu, March 14, GNA - Mohammed Sirleaf, a Liberian refugee, on Friday appeared before the Awutu District Magistrate's court charged with stealing a Nokia mobile phone another refugee. Mr Kofi Ahiabor, the Presiding Judge, granted Sirleaf GH¢300 bail with one surety to re-appear on March 19, 2008. He pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Emmanuel Ofori, told the court that on March 11, 2008, Mr. Deacontec Beilla, also a Liberian refugee gave the accused his mobile phone for safekeeping to enable him (Deacontec) go and play football.

Inspector Ofori said, Mohammed disappeared with the mobile phone and when he was seen the following day, he could not produce it on demand, hence the charge.

In a related development at the same court, Auustine Danso, unemployed, who was alleged to have stolen a wawa board valued at GH¢25 belonging to one Alhaji Appiah, was fined GH¢400 or in default, spend six months imprisonment in hard labour. Presiding judge Ahiabor ordered that, the wawa board be returned to the owner.

Inspector Emmanuel Ofori, prosecuting told the court that on March 10, this year the accused who was seen carrying the board admitted having stolen it when confronted. He said, he therefore arrested and charged with the offence.