By: Kekeli K. Blamey
A military officer, WOI Elorm John Ahiakpor, and four accomplices – Silas Amewonye, Farouk Nuodio, Daniel Kwesi Obiri Yeboah (also known as Aljazeera), and Michael Nana Addo have been remanded in custody by an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the robbery and kidnapping of a Dutch national, Lodewijk Frederikus.
The five accused face charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and kidnapping, as well as robbery and kidnapping.
They pleaded not guilty before the court, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah.
The prosecution alleged that Frederikus arrived in Ghana on October 17, 2024, to meet Amewonye regarding a land purchase.
However, Amewonye and Nuodio allegedly kidnapped Frederikus, demanding a ransom of 15,000 Euros. Frederikus negotiated to pay 5,000 Euros, but the accused insisted on 8,000 Euros.
They forced Frederikus to withdraw GH¢6,000 from an ATM, but he managed to make a distress call to the police, leading to his rescue and the accused’s arrest.
The accused’s lawyers argued for bail, citing the lack of proof of previous bond jumping and Ahiakpor’s impeccable 24-year military record.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing ongoing investigations and the seriousness of the charges.
The court adjourned the case to October 29, 2024.
