Accused deny charges while alleged accomplice admits offence.
The Accra Circuit Court remanded four individuals have been over allegations of stealing bundles of cigarettes and other items valued at GH¢67,000. The accused, Prince Adjei, Emmanuel Ajei Klu, Joseph Opata, and Diana Asheley Trebi, denied conspiring to steal 222 bundles of cigarettes and 68 cartons of hard drinks belonging to Madam Josephine Ntre.
While the accused persons pleaded not guilty, an alleged accomplice, a 17-year-old boy, admitted to the offence. However, the case of the 17-year-old has been referred to the Juvenile Court for sentencing. A 15-year-old boy believed to be involved in the alleged crime failed to attend court.
The complainant, Madam Josephine Ntre, is a businesswoman residing in Gonno School Area, Teshie. According to Police Inspector Teye-Akuffo, the accused individuals had various roles, including being house helps, a student, and shop attendants for the complainant.
The alleged theft, valued at GH¢67,500, was discovered during an audit conducted by the complainant in her wholesale and retail beverage shops between January 2023 and August 2023. The items stolen included 222 bundles of cigarettes and 68 cartons of hard drinks.
During investigations, an iPhone 7 plus cellular phone valued at GH¢1,700 was found in the possession of the 17-year-old boy, who implicated Prince as the one who bought it for him with proceeds from the stolen goods. This revelation led to the arrest of the 17-year-old and subsequent arrests of the other accused persons.
The accused individuals were charged with the offences and brought before the court. The Court has scheduled a return appearance for January 24, 2024, for further proceedings.