<<Print>>

A 21-year old Nigerian who kidnapped an eight-year -old girl from a church in Accra to Aflao in the Volta Region and demanded a ransom of GH�10,000 on Thursday, has appeared before a Circuit Court in Accra. Victor Anietie Solomon and his accomplice are said to have kidnapped the victim from the Latter Day�s Saints Church at Achimota in Accra. Sunday, unemployed, has pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to commit crime and kidnapping. In his explanation, Sunday said he did not have money hence he conspired with Michael Udoh, a 14-year old accomplice, to engage in the kidnapping act, so that they could get some money in order to travel to their country. The court, presided over by Ms. Sedina Agbemava, ruled that Sunday�s explanation did not avail him to a defence, adding it was an admission of the offence. The court, therefore, convicted him on his own plea but deferred sentence to July 8. Udoh, however, pleaded not guilty and he was admitted to bail in the sum of GH�2,000 with two sureties to reappear on July 31, 2014. Prosecuting Chief Inspector Samuel Sarkwah told the court that the victim�s father, Mr. Samuel Aidoo, an artisan, resides at Ofankor with his family. According to Chief Inspector Sarkwa, Sunday did not have a fixed place of abode and as such sleeps at Achimota Lorry Station. He is a native of Akwaibom State in Nigeria and came to Ghana to look for a job. Sunday and Udoh met at Achimota Lorry Station where they became friends and conspired to kidnap children to make money. Chief Inspector Sarkwah said the accused persons went to the Latter Days Saints Church where they got access to the Sunday school kids. Prosecution said the accused person attended the first church service and took part in a communion service. The prosecution said on June 22, 2014, Sunday went to the church and at about 10:00 hours saw the victim outside and lured him out of the premises. The victim followed him to his house at Achimota and later ended up at the Achimota Lorry station. Prosecution said Sunday took the victim to Aflao station at Tudu and begged for food for the victim and alms. He got GH�15 and used it in boarding a vehicle to Aflao. Sunday called the Bishop of the church, saying he had found a missing child of the mission and asked that the victim�s father should pay GH� 10,000. Prosecution said the message was sent to the victim�s father after Sunday had sent series of threatening messages to the bishop. According to Chief Inspector Sarkwah through Police investigations Sunday was arrested at Aflao where he led the Police to arrest Udoh.