Mechanic in court over TV stolen from late chief’s tomb at Nwase Cemetery

A 29-year-old auto mechanic has been remanded into police custody after admitting to purchasing a television set allegedly stolen from the tomb of a late community figure at Nwase Cemetery near Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region.

Yussif Sammed, also known as Isaac, appeared before the Nsuta Circuit Court, presided over by Simon Nketiah Gagah, where he pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charge against him.

Prosecutors said the 50-inch TCL television, valued at GH¢4,000, was allegedly stolen from the well-furnished tomb by an accomplice, identified as Atta Nketiah, who is currently on the run.

The theft was discovered by the deceased’s family on October 13, prompting investigations that led to the recovery of the television from Sammed’s room at Mampong Zongo.

According to the prosecution, Sammed admitted purchasing the television from Nketiah for GH¢650, despite failing to establish its ownership or request a receipt.

In his explanation to the court, Sammed claimed Nketiah had approached him for financial assistance, saying his wife was in a hospital labour ward. He said Nketiah promised to repay the GH¢650 and take back the television at a later date.

The television was reportedly transported to Sammed’s room by a tricycle operator, Clifford Baah, who was said to have had no knowledge that the item was stolen.

The court entered a guilty plea against Sammed after considering his admission that he had failed to verify the ownership of the television before purchasing it.

He was subsequently remanded into police custody, with the case adjourned to November 3, 2026, for conviction and sentencing.

Meanwhile, police are pursuing Nketiah, who is alleged to have stolen the television from the cemetery.