The Bono Regional Police Command has secured the conviction of four persons involved in a series of thefts at the National Identification Authority (NIA) warehouse in Sunyani.
The Sunyani District Court B sentenced the main culprit, a student, to two years’ imprisonment, while three others were handed heavy fines for receiving stolen property.
The ruling brings closure to a high-value theft case involving state-owned equipment intended for national registration exercises.
Investigations revealed that the NIA warehouse at Newtown, a suburb of Sunyani, was broken into on two separate occasions between January and October 2022. During the break-ins, the suspects stole 26 HP laptops and other office equipment.
The stolen items were valued at GH₵405,570.00.
The case remained unresolved until March 4, 2023, when a tip-off from a member of the public led police to Asante Anthony Junior, a student, who was arrested at Newtown.
At the time of his arrest, police found him in possession of items later identified by the NIA as stolen property.
Further investigations established that the laptops had been sold to three individuals: Ameyaw Eliezer, a mobile phone repairer; Jovies Amoh Afriyie, also known as Lord; and Dodzi Kwaku Gordon.
Delivering judgment, the court emphasised deterrence in sentencing.
Asante Anthony Junior was convicted on multiple counts of stealing and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Ameyaw Eliezer, Jovies Amoh Afriyie and Dodzi Kwaku Gordon were convicted of dishonestly receiving stolen property and each fined GH₵20,000.00.
The court further ruled that any of the three who fails to pay the fine will serve an 18-month prison sentence in default.
In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer of the Bono Regional Police Command, the police said investigations are still ongoing, as other accomplices involved in the warehouse break-ins remain at large.
“The Command encourages members of the public with relevant information to assist the Police in bringing all persons connected to the crime to justice,” the statement said.
The police assured the public that efforts are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover the laptops yet to be retrieved.
