Two aircraftmen of the Ghana Armed Forces and a businessman have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court, accused of orchestrating a robbery that allegedly netted over GHC1 million. Aircraftmen Eugene Akurugu, also known as Bullet, and Emmanuel Arko, alongside businessman Justin Yaw Oduro, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and four counts of robbery. The alleged incident occurred in December 2025, with the accused apprehended in May 2026 following extensive police intelligence operations.
Context of the Alleged Robbery
The case stems from a transaction involving a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, where the complainant, car dealer Gbe Atse Hubert, was seeking to purchase the vehicle. He was referred to a contact in Côte d’Ivoire, who in turn connected him with an individual named Mohammed, believed to have the vehicle in Ghana. This led to a meeting at Kalabash Restaurant in Adjiringanor, East Legon, where a price of 50 million CFA francs, equivalent to approximately GHC1,075,820, was agreed upon.
The Ambush and Seizure
On December 22, 2025, the complainant, accompanied by a witness and fellow car dealer Abdul Majid Inikly Ibrahim, proceeded to finalize the purchase. They were reportedly directed by Oduro to an undisclosed location to meet another accomplice. During their transit, they were allegedly ambushed by armed assailants, including Akurugu and Arko, who were reportedly clad in military camouflage and armed with pistols. The attackers allegedly made off with the agreed-upon 50 million CFA francs, plus an additional 2 million CFA francs (about GH¢92,950), and several mobile phones. The victims reported resisting the assault.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the robbery report, police investigations commenced, leading to the arrest of Samuel Kobi in Kumasi on January 11, 2026. Kobi was found in possession of Ibrahim’s stolen iPhone XR. He claimed to have received the phone from his wife, Susana Kobi, who was subsequently arrested. While denying direct involvement, Susana stated her husband, Justin Yaw Oduro, had given her the phone. Further intelligence gathering culminated in the apprehension of Oduro, Akurugu, and Arko on May 24, 2026. Police revealed that at the time of their arrest, the trio were allegedly planning a similar operation targeting a prospective buyer of mercury.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During their court appearance, the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, opposed bail, characterizing the accused as flight risks. He highlighted that the suspects were only apprehended months after the alleged crime, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to arrest seven other identified accomplices who remain at large. The defense team argued for bail, emphasizing their clients’ stable residency within the court’s jurisdiction and the lack of evidence suggesting intent to abscond or reoffend. They also pointed to the military officers’ prior diligent service.
The court granted each of the accused bail in the sum of GH¢600,000, with the requirement of three sureties who must justify the bail amount with landed property. Additionally, they are mandated to surrender their passports to the court registry. The case has been adjourned to July 6, 2026.
Implications and Future Outlook
This case raises significant concerns regarding the alleged involvement of serving military personnel in criminal activities and the sophisticated nature of the alleged robbery. The successful apprehension of the accused, following a detailed intelligence-led operation, demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling high-value crimes. The ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining accomplices are crucial for a comprehensive resolution. For the public and the industry, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-value transactions and the importance of robust security measures. The court’s decision on bail, while granting freedom, imposes strict conditions, reflecting the seriousness of the charges. Observers will be watching the progress of the case, particularly the evidence presented and the potential impact on the reputation of the security forces involved.
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