Suspect accused of stealing and selling diesel worth GH¢834,300 and then staging an accident to cover up the crime.
Five individuals have been arraigned before an Accra High Court for allegedly stealing GH¢834,300 worth of diesel belonging to A-Bek Company Limited and setting fire to a fuel tanker to conceal the crime. Among them are drivers Bashiru Mohammed, Isaac Donkor, Abdellah Dauda, and transporter Yaw Gerald, while the first accused, Alhaji Iddrisu, failed to appear, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. Two accomplices, known as Alhaji and Kofi Adu, remain at large.
According to prosecutors, the accused conspired in Kasse, near Ahodwo in the Ashanti Region, to divert 54,000 liters of diesel meant for the Buipe BOST depot. They allegedly sold the fuel to Yaw Gerald at a discounted price and later staged an accident, driving the tanker into a cashew farm and setting it ablaze to erase evidence. Investigations revealed that the stolen fuel was sold for GH¢526,500, with the accused using the proceeds to purchase luxury items and vehicles, including a Toyota Camry, Toyota Vitz taxi, Samsung TV, and a home theater system.
The court granted bail to four of the suspects, setting the amount at GH¢300,000 with two sureties each. The suspects must also report to the police monthly. However, the prosecution has recovered some assets, including refunded cash, vehicles, and electronic items. Gerald, for instance, has returned GH¢300,000, while Mohammed has refunded GH¢35,000 and the Samsung TV set.
The case has been adjourned to April 14, 2025, as authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover the stolen fuel. The prosecution remains committed to ensuring justice is served.
Source: GBN