Nigerian Man Arraigned Over Ghana Bank Robbery Plot

A Nigerian man, Augustine Maazi, appeared before the Accra Circuit Court 8 in Ghana on Wednesday as proceedings continued in a case involving his alleged involvement in a planned robbery targeting three banks in the Labone area of Accra.

Maazi, who was previously remanded in police custody after being denied bail, was taken to court on September 2, 2026.

He faced eight counts relating to alleged offences, including conspiracy to commit robbery, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Diaspora Tales had earlier reported that the court denied Maazi bail and ordered that he remain in police custody until September 2.

He was arrested on August 13 after the Ghana Police Service said it foiled a plot to rob three banks in Labone: GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank.

According to the police, officers received intelligence at about 10:45 am that a gang was preparing to attack the banks and subsequently deployed personnel to the area. Suspected members of the gang were later spotted in vehicles parked near the bank.

It was gathered that one of the vehicles allegedly sped away after its occupants noticed the police, triggering a chase that ended with Maazi’s arrest, but another occupant escaped.

Also, the occupants of the second vehicle attempted to flee while firing at the police, resulting in a shootout during which two suspects were killed.

Two vehicles, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS 7915-17, and a pistol were recovered from the suspects. But the GCB Bank denied that its Labone branch was targeted, adding that its branch was never breached and that no customer, staff member, funds, or property was affected.

“GCB Bank wishes to clarify that no robbery or attempted robbery took place at our Labone Branch or on the Bank’s premises,” the bank said.

Ayoola Olasupo

Ayoola Olasupo is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with six years of experience reporting on metro, crime, human-interest interviews, politics, and feature stories. He focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and producing stories that promote justice, empathy, and informed public dialogue. Ayoola’s reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a dedication to accurate, impactful, and socially conscious journalism.