Boy, 19, arraigned for allegedly stealing GH¢20,000 worth of electrical cables

Court Gavel

A 19-year-old labourer, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, has been charged. He allegedly broke into a private home and stole electrical cables worth GH¢20,000.

Abubakar lives at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. He faces three charges: unlawful entry, unlawful damage, and stealing. These offences violate the Criminal and Other Offences Act of 1960.

The prosecution is led by Chief Inspector Emelia Mensah. The incident happened on March 24, 2025, at Sowutuom Rescue Point in Accra.

Paul Mensah Vicker, a trader, reported the crime. He said Abubakar unlawfully entered his new two-storey house.

According to court facts, Abubakar rode an unregistered Apsonic motorbike from Kwame Nkrumah Circle. He parked it near the complainant’s property under the cover of darkness.

He allegedly scaled the wall and accessed the building using scaffolding left by masons. Inside, he reportedly cut and packed electrical cables into a fertilizer bag.

Witnesses heard suspicious noises and saw him coming out of the house. They intercepted him before he could leave.

A search revealed a concealed jackknife and a screwdriver at the scene. Scissors were also found near his parked motorbike.

Abubakar was handed over to police and formally charged. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit presided over the court session. She granted bail of GH¢70,000 with three sureties required.

Two sureties must be public servants earning at least GH¢2,000 monthly. One surety must be justified as well.

The accused must deposit his Ghana Card at the court registry. He is also required to report to police biweekly.

The case has been adjourned to April 19, 2025 for further hearing. The prosecution will serve all disclosures and witness statements before then.