Two security guards attached to the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Naa Koryoo Okunor, have been arraigned before the Bekwai Circuit Court over their alleged involvement in an armed robbery targeting a gold dealer in the Ashanti Region.
The accused, Justice Kpappo Mingle, 31, and Justice Mensah, who reportedly served as bodyguards to the MP, are alleged to have carried out the robbery while wearing tactical uniforms resembling those of the military and police. The uniforms were reportedly issued to them as part of their security duties.
According to reports, the victim, George Osei Tutu, a gold dealer from Bekwai, was transporting gold valued at GH¢165,000 from Denkyie to Fomena when the suspects allegedly intercepted him. They are accused of forcing him to divert onto a bush road, where they allegedly robbed him of the gold, his car keys, and other personal belongings before fleeing the scene.
Investigators later established that the suspects allegedly hid in a nearby bush after the robbery, changed out of their tactical uniforms, and travelled to Adansi Asokwa, where they lodged at Adom Ara Kwa Guest House before proceeding to Kasoa.
Police were able to trace the suspects after Justice Kpappo Mingle allegedly left his wallet at the crime scene. The wallet reportedly contained identification and business cards, which investigators used to identify and locate him.
Mingle was subsequently arrested at Nyanano. During police interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the offence and led investigators to Akweley, where Justice Mensah was also arrested.
Further investigations suggest that the robbery may have been facilitated by information allegedly provided by the victim’s excavator driver, identified only as Festus, who is said to have tipped off the suspects about the movement of the gold.
Before joining the MP’s security team, Mingle reportedly worked as a photographer, while Mensah was a vulcanizer.
The two accused are currently standing trial before the Bekwai Circuit Court on charges related to the alleged armed robbery, as investigations continue.
