The police have arrested three suspected robbers and killed one during an operation at Asuofua Asamang in the Ashanti Region, on Thursday.
The dead, identified as Issaka Muniru, was shot when he attempted to fire at the police during the operation and was pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital.
Those arrested have been identified as Kwaku Boateng, also known as ‘Form Noede’, and Kojo Gyamfi, who are currently in police custody pending prosecution.
A statement issued by the Police Public Affairs at the Headquarters, Accra, confirmed the incident, saying that a Smith & Wesson SD40 VE pistol, which was used to fire at the police, and 13 rounds of live ammunition were seized from the suspects.
According to the statement, Muniru and his syndicate had been involved in a series of robberies within the Kumasi Metropolis and its environs for some years.
The statement said before he was killed, Muniru was standing trial with three other accomplices; Ernest Agyei Badu also known as ‘gangster,’ and the two only known as ‘Rider’ and ‘MBY,’ at the Nkawie Circuit Court for robbing Pastor Emmanuel Barfour Awuah of Abuakwa Abakomadi, at gun point, on May 26, 2021.
The robbers allegedly made away with two gold wrist watches, mobile handsets and an unspecified amount of money, belonging to the pastor.
The deceased was granted bail by the court but he jumped the bail and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, while his accomplices were still attending court.
Muniru, the statement said, was involved in another robbery in which he was named as the leader of three other members of a gang, Charles KojoFosu, Yaw Anim and Paul Osafo.
Muniri escaped but the gang members were arrested by the police and had since been remanded into prison custody.
The statement commended the Ashanti Regional Police Command, especially personnel of the Regional Intelligence and Operations teams for carrying out the operation.
The police has assured the public that they would continue to carry out their constitutional mandate of protecting life and property and maintaining law and order even at the peril of their lives.
FROM KINGSLEY E.HOPE, KUMASI
