Five suspects accused of being involved in the robbery and murder of a gold buyer at Agona Fie, near Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region, have been remanded into custody by the Takoradi Circuit Court B.
The court has also ordered the remand of a 30-year-old trader who has been charged separately after police allegedly found her in possession of gold believed to belong to the deceased.
The case involves charges including conspiracy to rob, robbery, conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
The suspects are Thomas Odoom, alias “Wale”; Christopher Seyiri, alias “Cross and Die”; Bashiru Ibrahim; and Isaac Quayson, alias “Last Burial”. A fifth suspect, Emmanuel Amponsah, alias “Vandam”, who police described as the alleged leader of the gang, reportedly died while in police custody following complaints of chest pains.
The incident occurred on August 20, 2026, when armed men allegedly attacked the gold-buying shop of 40-year-old Seth Cobbinah at Agona Fie.
According to the police case, the attackers allegedly stormed the premises armed with guns and robbed Cobbinah of cash and gold.
During the attack, Cobbinah was shot in the chest.
He was subsequently rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The incident triggered investigations by the police, who subsequently arrested persons suspected to have played various roles in the robbery and killing.
Investigators reportedly relied on CCTV footage obtained from the area as part of efforts to identify the perpetrators.
The police also conducted an identification parade, which they say helped link the suspects to the robbery and murder.
The evidence gathered during the investigations has formed part of the basis for the charges brought before the court.
The accused persons are expected to remain in custody as the prosecution continues with the case.
Meanwhile, Grace Abakrow, a 30-year-old trader, has been charged separately with possession of stolen property.
Police allege that gold taken during the robbery was subsequently handed over to Abakrow for safekeeping.
Her arrest followed investigations into the whereabouts of the gold believed to have been taken from Cobbinah’s shop during the attack.
The prosecution is expected to present evidence to establish how the gold came into her possession and whether she knew or had reason to believe that the items were proceeds of the robbery.
One of the suspects identified by investigators as Emmanuel Amponsah, alias “Vandam”, allegedly died while in police custody after his arrest.
According to the police, Amponsah complained of chest pains while in custody.
He was reportedly taken for medical attention but died.
His death has consequently removed him from the ongoing prosecution, while the other suspects remain before the court.
The murder has left the family and relatives of Seth Cobbinah demanding justice.
They are praying that the judicial process will establish the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that anyone found responsible is dealt with according to law.
The family says securing justice for Cobbinah will help bring closure and appease the soul of their loved one.
The case remains before the Takoradi Circuit Court B as investigations and the legal process continue.
By 1960news.com
