The Ghana Police Service has arrested two phone technicians in Wassa Akropong, Western Region, for allegedly tampering with mobile devices sold on credit by a local phone company.
The suspects, identified as Machiavelli Arthur and Gideon Ebenezer, were picked up on June 19, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the duo used sophisticated software and electronic tools to illegally unlock, flash, and bypass security features on mobile phones.
These actions allowed defaulting customers to continue using devices purchased on credit without completing their payment obligations.
Police retrieved laptops and other electronic devices believed to have been used in the operation. During interrogation, both suspects reportedly admitted to their involvement in the illegal activity.
They are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations. Authorities say the suspects will be arraigned before court in the coming days.
Still in the Western Region, the Gender-Based Violence Court in Sekondi, presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Naa Amerley Akowah, has remanded Suleman Abdul Rashid and Issa Morro into police custody for their alleged involvement in the physical abuse of a 12-year-old boy, as seen in a viral video.
The boy was reportedly accused of stealing GH¢200.
The accused persons are facing preliminary charges of causing harm under Section 69 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and child cruelty, which contravenes the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560).
Defense Counsel’s Plea for Bail
Appearing for the accused, Lawyer Emmanuel Arthur appealed to the court for bail, arguing that both men are permanent residents of New Ankasa, a small community where they are well known. He further contended that they had been held in custody for over 48 hours, and given their strong community ties, posed no flight risk.
Prosecution’s Objection
Chief Inspector Vicentia Ewoenam Atitsogbui, prosecuting, strongly opposed the bail application, stating that the accused persons may interfere with ongoing investigations or influence potential witnesses, all of whom are residents of the same community.
Court’s Ruling
In her ruling, Her Honour Mrs. Naa Amerley Akowah emphasized the public interest in the matter, the risk of witness tampering, and the ongoing nature of the investigation. She noted that releasing the accused on bail could compromise both the safety of the accused and the integrity of the trial process. Consequently, bail was denied, and the case has been adjourned to 10th July 2025.
Case Background
According to the prosecution, the accused persons—Suleman Abdul Rashid and Issa Morro—were arrested on 18th June 2025 by community members after a video surfaced showing them physically assaulting a young boy over a missing amount of GH¢200.
They were handed over to the Elubo Police Station, and the matter was subsequently referred to the Sekondi Regional Headquarters of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) for further investigation.
The case remains under active investigation.
By Stephen Cudjoe
