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Crime & Punishment of Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Source: Daily Guide

Nigerian grabbed breaking into cars at Kotoka Airport

A 31-year-old Nigerian ex-convict from Abidjan, Ben Igwe Izuchi Okosisi, is in the grips of the Ghana Police Service for breaking into two vehicles at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, stealing bags and other items worth several hundreds of cedis.

Igwe Izuchi Okosisi, who is a Nigerian and musician, came to Ghana barely 10 days ago after he completed a 24-month prison sentence at Abidjan, for attempted armed robbery.

According to the Greater Accra Police Commander, DCOP Rose Bio-Atenga, as part of activities to limit crimes in the nation’s capital, the police have taken special initiatives and measures to monitor every angle within the metropolis.

DCOP Bio-Atenga narrated that on 13th May 2010, a report was made of somebody breaking into two vehicles at the car park (number 2) of the Kotoka International Airport.

The Police Commander stressed that they followed the information and on May14, 2010, Ben Igwe was arrested.

She revealed that when a search was conducted on Igwe, a car key, a hotel key and some sharp instruments believed to be used in the operation were found on him.

She further stated that the investigation led the police to the hotel where a search was also conducted. Some of the items reported to be stolen were found there.

She mentioned that traveling bags, documents bearing ECG meter application contracts belonging to somebody at Takoradi, personal effects, jeans, foot wear, 2 cheque books, pen drives, 2 mobile phones and GH¢150 were found in his room.

Igwe admitted to breaking into the cars, saying “the cars were opened and there was nobody around so I went in and took the bags” adding, “as for the documents, they were in the bags I took from the airport. I did not rob anybody at Takoradi.’’

It was assumed by the police that Igwe did some operations at Takoradi before coming to Accra but he denied immediately, saying, “I did not’’.

Ben Igwe pleaded with the police to set him free since he told the truth, adding “it’s better to say the truth because the truth shall set you free.’’

He revealed that it was a mistake on his part to break into someone’s car but “am begging you to have mercy on me.’’

He will be arraigned in court on Thursday.