Farmer facing trial Over Possession of Stolen Taxi

Accra Circuit Court

A 64-year-old farmer, Francis Agbenyegah, appeared in court. He is accused of possessing a stolen taxi linked to a robbery. Agbenyegah pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was remanded on April 3, 2025. His next court date was set for April 10, 2025. On that date, he received bail of GH¢90,000 with two sureties. One surety had to provide proof of landed property.

Judge Basilia Adjei ordered Agbenyegah to deposit his travel documents. This included his valid passport. He must also report to the police investigator every Thursday.

On April 17, 2025, Agbenyegah returned to court. He requested a change in his bail conditions due to financial difficulties. The court reviewed the conditions and kept the travel document requirement but adjusted the surety demands. The case is now adjourned until May 5, 2025.

Brief

The prosecution's facts were presented by Inspector Abigail Offeibea. Derrick Osei Boateng is the complainant and a driver from Tema Community 2. He was attacked on March 23, 2025.

Boateng had picked up two male passengers from Community 18 Junction. They asked to be dropped off at Shalom Spot near Lashibi Community 19 Annex. Upon arrival, one suspect pretended to get out for money while the other strangled Boateng with a rope.

The first suspect then rejoined and stabbed him in the shoulder. They beat Boateng until he lost consciousness and dumped him in a lagoon nearby.

The attackers stole Boateng’s Toyota Vitz taxi (GT 5883-24), GH¢2,000 cash, a Nokia phone worth GH¢900, his driver’s license, and Ghana Card.

At around 5:00 a.m., Boateng regained consciousness and went to the nearest police station wearing only boxer shorts and covered in mud.

Investigations led police to recover the car with a GPS tracker at Alesikpe near Sogakope. The car's number plate and part of its roof had been removed.

Police also found an Opel Astra with duplicate plates on Agbenyegah’s property. This vehicle is believed to have transported the stolen taxi.

Agbenyegah admitted ownership of the premises where police found the stolen taxi. He is currently facing charges alone as two other suspects remain at large. Police say investigations are ongoing.