The Circuit Court in Tarkwa has sentenced four persons for their roles in the theft and disposal of a stolen mobile phone after they deceived a 13-year-old boy under the guise of offering spiritual assistance.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Bernice Mensimah Ackon, imposed fines and custodial sentences in default on the accused persons after they pleaded guilty of various offences under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The first accused, Issah Raman, also known as Hustler, was fined 150 penalty units (GH¢1,800) or, in default, one year imprisonment on the conspiracy charge.
He was further sentenced to 200 penalty units (GH¢2,400.00) or, in default, two years imprisonment on the stealing charge. The second accused, Fidelis Cudjoe, alias Scanty, was sentenced to 150 penalty units or one year imprisonment in default on each of the conspiracy and abetment charges.
The third accused, Ebenezer Andom, also known as Nana Yaw, was fined 150 penalty units or one year imprisonment in default. The fourth accused, Mawuli Helegbe, was sentenced to 150 penalty units or one year imprisonment in default for dishonestly receiving stolen property.
The prosecution, led by ASP Samuel Ahiabor, told the court that the complainant, Suleman Ackah, is a miner residing at New Atuabo, a suburb of Tarkwa, while the victim, his 13-year-old son Saed Ackah, was on his way to his father’s workplace near the Shell Filling Station at Tarkwa Main Station on June 11, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the first and second accused approached the boy near Nawas Restaurant opposite the Takoradi Station and falsely presented themselves as spiritualists capable of providing spiritual assistance in exchange for money.
While engaging the victim, the third accused joined them and pretended to be a satisfied beneficiary of the first accused’s spiritual powers, reinforcing the deception.
The court heard that during the interaction, Issah Raman dishonestly took possession of the victim’s Tecno Pop 40 smartphone valued at GH¢1,500, after which Fidelis Cudjoe took custody of the phone and left the scene.
When the victim demanded his phone, the first accused fled, enabling all three to escape.
Investigations established that the three later met at Railway Station, Tarkwa, where they agreed to dispose of the stolen phone.
Fidelis Cudjoe subsequently sold the locked phone to Mawuli Helegbe for GH¢300, despite him allegedly knowing it had been stolen. The proceeds were shared equally among the first three accused, with each receiving GH¢100.
The prosecution said CCTV footage obtained from Nawas Restaurant enabled the complainant and the victim to identify the suspects. Fidelis Cudjoe later admitted selling the phone to the fourth accused.
On June 12, 2026, the stolen mobile phone was retrieved from Mawuli Helegbe with the assistance of a witness, and the matter was formally reported to the police. The four accused were arrested on June 18, 2026.
During investigations, the first and third accused admitted their respective roles in caution and charge statements and also led police to the crime scene where they demonstrated how the offence was committed.
Police also recovered the clothing allegedly worn by the second and third accused during the commission of the offence—a black jersey bearing the inscription “SCANTY” and a red NBA jersey with the number “1”—which were tendered as exhibits.
After investigations, the four accused were charged with conspiracy to steal, abetment of stealing, stealing, and dishonestly receiving stolen property, leading to their conviction and sentencing by the court.
