Cleaner jailed 3 years for stealing $5,000 from Lawyer’s chambers

Accra Circuit Court

The Accra Circuit Court II has sentenced Linda Teiko Teye, 26, to three years in prison. She is unemployed and a mother of two. Teye pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and stealing.

The court's decision followed her admission of guilt. On April 2, 2025, she entered the office of lawyer Dennis Michael Ayettey at Tse-Addo. Her intent was to commit a crime.

Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer led the prosecution. Teye worked as a cleaner in the same building as Ayettey's office. On that day, Ayettey left US$7,700 locked in his drawer but forgot the key.

When he returned on April 19, 2025, he found US$5,000 missing. He reported the theft to the Rasta Police Station. Investigations showed Teye spent large amounts of cash shortly after the theft.

Police arrested her at her home in Teshie Mangoase. They found several new household items believed to be bought with stolen money. These included a bed, mattress, standing fan, iPhone, kitchen appliances, and clothing.

During questioning, Teye confessed to stealing the money. She noticed that Ayettey often left his office key on the window. She used this key to enter and take cash from the drawer.

Teye refunded US$500 during the investigation. A pregnancy test ordered by the court confirmed she is not pregnant as of May 5, 2025.

The court convicted her on two counts: unlawful entry and stealing under Ghana's Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29).