Boy, 13, Nabbed For Robbery

A 13-year-old boy, who is said to be a dangerous robber, is in the firm grip of the Ashanti Regional Police Command. The suspect reportedly took part in about five dangerous robbery operations at some locations in the Kumasi Metropolis. The juvenile robber is believed to be an errand boy of Baba Musah, a notorious armed robber, who is on the police wanted list for murder and robbery offences. The juvenile was arrested during a police swoop at Asafo BB, Adum Railways, Dichemso, Ash Town, Alabar and Aboabo Post Office areas on May 20. During interrogation, he confessed to the police that he had participated in five robbery operations with Baba Musah and other deadly miscreants. He said the five operations took place at places like the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) area, Asafo Interchange, PZ and Adum, adding that they used weapons such as pistols and scissors. The minor said during their robbery expedition, mobile phones and laptops were seized from people, which were sold in the streets. According to him, they occasionally broke into stores in the city during the night and stole items being kept in them. Chief Supt Deborah Addison Campbell, the Manhyia Divisional Police Commander, said at a press briefing that the 33 suspects grabbed during the raids were being interrogated. She said the juvenile identified some of the arrested people as his accomplices and they all admitted the offences. DCOP Kofi Boakye, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, expressed surprise that a 13-year-old boy could be such a notorious robber who, together with others, had been terrorizing innocent people. The Ashanti Region, he said, has a lot of �home-grown� armed robbers whose parents and family members support their heinous activities. �The support that the armed robbers receive from their family members makes it difficult for robbery victims to testify against such people when arrested for fear of being attacked,� he posited. DCOP Kofi Boakye stressed that the police would provide maximum protection for people, who would testify against the hoodlums.