The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 33 year old man identified as Ibrahim Muntawakiru after he was found trapped in the reinforced ceiling of a rural bank in Koforidua. The arrest brought to an end what police believe was a multi day burglary operation targeting shops within the Central Business District.
According to police sources, the suspect is alleged to have carried out break-ins over a three day period at shops located around the Legion Hall area of Koforidua. Investigators say the operation culminated in the suspect gaining access to the ceiling of a rural bank, where he became trapped and was unable to escape.
Police indicate that the suspect is believed to have conducted surveillance in the area for approximately eleven days before executing the alleged burglaries. Intensified police patrols in the business district reportedly disrupted his movements and prevented him from leaving the area unnoticed. Shop owners later detected signs of forced entry, leading to the discovery of the suspect’s location and his subsequent arrest.
Upon his arrest, police retrieved a concealed sack containing various items believed to have been used in the alleged burglary activities. These included two hacksaw blades, a hammer, a metal punch, two screwdrivers, a crowbar, assorted keys, a pair of pliers, a keypad mobile phone, a pair of scissors, a grinding machine with two grinding wheels, three wooden hammer handles, and an amount of cash totaling nine thousand one hundred and thirty three Ghana cedis.
The suspect has been taken into police custody to assist with investigations. Police say he will be processed in accordance with the law and is expected to be arraigned before court. Authorities have not yet indicated whether additional suspects are being sought in connection with the case.
Police have reiterated their commitment to increased patrols and surveillance within commercial areas to deter criminal activity. They have also urged business owners to report suspicious movements promptly. As investigations continue, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.