Asamankese (Eastern Region) 1 Nov. '99
A gun-wielding second-hand clothes dealer who attempted to forcibly seize a taxi cab from its driver has appeared before the Asamankese circuit court.
He faces three counts of illegally possessing a locally-made pistol and three life cartridges, attempting to commit robbery and assault.
According to Chief Inspector E.A. Obuobi at about 9.30 p.m. on October 17, Nana Yaw Barimah, who deals in is based in Kumasi, attempted to rob Kwaku Afagbedzi of his taxi cab on the Asamankese-Osenase road at gun point.
Chief Inspector Obuobi said Barimah hired Afagbedzi's taxi cab at Kade at about 7.30 p.m. to visit a friend at Awaham and was charged 20,000 cedis.
While going, the driver asked a friend Phillip Gledzi to accompany him. On reaching Awaham, Barimah got down to look for the friend but returned later to tell the driver that he could not find his friend so he should take him to Asamankese to find him.
At Asamankese, Barimah said he had learnt that his friend had gone back to Awaham so he should drive him back there for which the driver charged additional 20,000 cedis and reluctantly drove Awaham, where he again said he could not find the friend.
On their return, Barimah told the driver that he would like to spend the night at Osenase, but when they neared Awaham junction in thick of darkness, the accused asked the driver to stop for him to urinate.
The driver refused explaining that the spot was dangerous. There, Barimah pulled the locally-made pistol and threatened to shoot him.
The driver mustered courage, hit Barimah's hand and the gun dropped. The driver quickly picked it and kept it under his seat.
A struggle then ensued between the driver and the accused with the car running into the bush.
While the driver was making efforts to reverse the car back to the road, Phillip held Barimah firmly to the seat.
The driver then sped towards Osenase with Barimah struggling with Phillip and started biting him.
While the driver slowed down to branch to the Police station at Osenase, the accused opened the car door and the two fell down.
Barimah then got up to escape but the alarm was raised and he was arrested.
A search on him revealed a mask, two live cartridges, two spanners, a tester and a screw driver.
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody.
GRi../