Trader jailed 80 years for robbery

An Accra circuit court has sentenced Muttah Sajarr, a trader, to 80-years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit crime and robbery contrary to section 149 of Act 29/60.

The convict would serve 20 years for conspiracy and 30 years each for the two counts of robbery. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Miss Annette Barnes, Assistant State Attorney, told the court presided over by Mr Francis Obiri that the complainants in the case were a policeman and an Administrative Assistant.

She said the complainants attended an old students Association meeting with other members when the convict, together with one other suspect, Abdul Manuf Yussif, 25, now deceased, both residents of Awoshie, stormed the venue on an unregistered motorbike wearing helmets armed with a pistol.

She said the convict and his accomplice entered the meeting room and threatened to shoot anyone who fails to surrender his or her belongings.

Miss Barnes said they robbed the policeman of his Kodak digital camera valued at Ghc500.00 and a lady's handbag belonging to the Administrative Assistant containing Ghc100.00, her ATM card, make-up bag and other items.

She said in their attempt to escape following the robbery, they were hit by an oncoming vehicle and they sustained various degrees of injuries.

The prosecution said the convict and his accomplices were arrested and taken to the police hospital, where they were later treated and discharged.

Nonetheless, on 28 July, 2012, the health of the suspected accomplice deteriorated and he was taken to the police hospital for treatment, but died on arrival, she said.

Meanwhile, the handbag belonging to the Administrative Assistant has been retrieved as well as the gun used in the operation.