A self-proclaimed entrepreneur is currently on trial at the High Court in Accra for allegedly masterminding and executing robberies targeting high-profile individuals and elites in their homes.
Among the alleged incidents, Yahuza Osumanu is accused of robbing a 76-year-old woman in Ridge and assaulting the wife of a former Vice President, Matilda Yaaba Amissah Arthur, by strangling her and striking her head with a gun.
During the robbery at the former Second Lady’s residence, he purportedly stole GH₵28,000, £50, and $2,200.
The prosecution claims that Osumanu employed similar tactics in other robberies targeting affluent businessmen and women, resulting in the theft of valuables valued at millions of Ghana cedis.
Items allegedly stolen include two Rolex watches worth $61,000, two Cartier wristwatches worth $19,000, an iPhone 15 Pro Max worth $1,000, jewelry worth $50,000, and more.
Additionally, the prosecution alleges that Osumanu used proceeds from these crimes to purchase luxury vehicles and apartments for himself, including a Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota Prado, and Lexus.
Chief State Attorney Frances M. Ansah, leading the prosecution, has charged Osumanu with 26 counts of robbery and money laundering. Despite pleading not guilty, he has been remanded into prison custody pending a reappearance on May 2, 2024.
According to CSA Ansah, the Police CID received numerous complaints of residential robberies during the second quarter of 2023. A police investigation led to the identification of Osumanu, aided by CCTV footage from Kaeela Courts Apartments provided by Dr. Abu Sakara Foster on December 4, 2023. Further incidents reported in December 2023, involving additional victims, contributed to the identification and subsequent arrest of Osumanu in Kasoa on December 15, 2023.
