An Accra High Court has made a remarkable move by remanding a businessman, Osumanu Yahuza, for the troubling offences of assaulting and robbing former Second Lady Matilda Amissah Arthur at gunpoint in her residence in Accra. This shocking incident also involved the theft of items belonging to renowned architect David Adjaye and others.
According to the prosecution, Osumanu Yahuza faces a daunting 26 counts of robbery and money laundering. During his court appearance on Tuesday, April 17, Yahuza pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
The prosecution outlined the harrowing details of the case, revealing that Yahuza violently demanded money and valuables from Mrs. Amissah Arthur, resulting in the theft of GHC3,000, USD$2,200, and EUR 50.00. Additionally, he snatched a gold watch valued at GHC20,000 and necklaces worth GHC5,000. The situation escalated as Yahuza proceeded to physically assault the former Second Lady by strangling her and repeatedly hitting her head on the ground while demanding even more valuable items.
Mrs. Amissah Arthur temporarily lost consciousness during this traumatic ordeal. By the time she came to, the accused had absconded with her safe and the stolen loot. Justice Lydia Osei Marfo deemed it necessary to remand Yahuza into prison custody and instructed the prosecution to provide the full details of their disclosures.
The case is now adjourned until May 2, 2024, as investigations into this shocking incident continue to unfold. The court was provided with additional background information on the case, including the fact that multiple individuals were affected by Yahuza’s criminal activities in different parts of Accra. This includes Augustine Kwesi Okere, a businessman in Airport Residential Area, and various other complainants residing in different neighborhoods in the city.
The police received several reports of residential robberies allegedly committed by a single armed individual between the second quarter of 2023 and December of the same year. The accused’s modus operandi involved forcefully entering victims’ residences, brandishing a firearm, and coercing them into surrendering their valuables.
Despite attempts to apprehend Yahuza, he managed to evade capture on multiple occasions. However, diligent police work and investigative efforts eventually led to his arrest in Kasoa. During interrogations, the accused confessed to his crimes and provided detailed information on his criminal activities.
The investigation revealed that Yahuza had acquired numerous properties through his unlawful activities, shedding light on the extent of his criminal enterprise.
