In a shocking incident, the leader of a suspected robbery gang escaped from the Ngleshie Amanfro District Police Command in the full view of police officers on the afternoon of Thursday, October 16, 2025.
The fugitive, believed to be a Nigerian national, had been arrested earlier that morning together with two accomplices by a police patrol team attached to the command. They were handed over to Chief Inspector Dela Kumador and Constable Charles Tawiah, who were manning the station’s counter at the time.
According to Citi News sources at the command, the suspect was allowed to use the restroom without handcuffs and without supervision. He reportedly took advantage of the opportunity to escape custody.
Background
The arrests followed a dawn operation led by Inspector Noble Essuman after intelligence pointed to an ongoing robbery at Malam Junction around 4:00 a.m.
Upon arrival, the patrol team encountered a four-member gang — one wielding a pump-action gun while the others searched through the bags of victims believed to be traders travelling to the Volta Region.
The suspects allegedly seized an unspecified amount of cash and personal belongings.
According to police accounts, the robbers had earlier confronted the traders after accusing the driver of their Kia truck of scratching their Honda CR-V vehicle. The situation escalated when one of the robbers pointed a gun at the traders as they stepped out to inspect the alleged damage.
The patrol team, which had been on alert based on prior intelligence, intervened in the middle of the robbery. One suspect managed to flee with the firearm, but three others — including the gang leader — were arrested.
The suspects and the black Honda CR-V, which had a defective registration plate (DV 3145X), were subsequently transported to the police command.
However, a few hours later, the gang leader reportedly complained of a stomach upset and requested to use the restroom. He was allowed to do so without restraints and without any escort — a decision that proved costly.
When the suspect failed to return after a considerable period, the officers became alarmed. A search launched to trace him yielded no results.
Court proceedings and further investigations
The two remaining suspects were arraigned before the Weija Circuit Court on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, police have arrested the operator of a car rental business that allegedly leased the vehicle to the robbery gang. He is currently assisting with investigations.
The Honda CR-V used in the robbery has since been impounded by the police.
Efforts by Citi News to obtain an official comment from the Ngleshie Amanfro District Police Command have so far been unsuccessful.