Police Arrest Nigerian Illegal Miner For Armed Robbery
Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a 36 year old Nigerian national, Emmanuel Okafor Chukwuma, in connection with an armed robbery attack on a Mobile Money vendor at Avenor in Accra. A statement signed by the Greater Accra Head of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, indicated that Chukwuma, who works as an illegal miner (galamsey operator), was apprehended after a failed escape attempt.
The incident occurred on Sunday, June 30, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., when the victim was at her workplace. According to police investigations, Chukwuma and an accomplice, identified only as Emeka, arrived on an unregistered motorbike and attacked the vendor at gunpoint, demanding cash. During the robbery, Chukwuma reportedly fired three warning shots, one of which struck the victim in the left leg. Fearing for her life, she handed over her bag, which contained GHS 20,000.
Shortly after the attack, a courageous bystander gave chase and raised an alarm. Other members of the public joined the pursuit, which led to the suspects crashing their motorbike. Chukwuma was arrested on the spot, while his accomplice managed to flee. During interrogation, Chukwuma admitted to the crime in his caution statement and revealed that both he and Emeka had planned to flee to Nigeria after the robbery, having already secured travel tickets.
He has since been charged and remanded into police custody by the court. He is scheduled to reappear before the court on July 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the victim’s stolen bag, which contained GH₵ 9,000 at the time of recovery, has been returned to her.
The Accra Regional Police Command commended the bravery and swift intervention of individuals who contributed to the apprehension of the suspect. The Accra Regional Police Command commends the bravery and support of the public. We assure the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend Emelca, the other accomplice on the run, and urge everyone to continue supporting the Police by reporting suspicious activities via 18555 or 191,” the statement concluded.
