Five suspects standing trial over the robbery and murder of 40-year-old gold dealer Seth Cobbinah at Agona Fie near Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region have been remanded into custody by the Takoradi Circuit Court.
The accused are; Thomas Odoom alias “Wale”, Christopher Seyiri alias “Cross and Die”, Bashiru Ibrahim, Isaac Quayson alias “Last Burial” and Grace Abakrow.
They are facing various charges, including robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit murder, murder, carrying offensive weapons, and possession of stolen property.
Prosecutor, Chief inspector, Robert Yawson told the court that the incident occurred on August 20, 2026, when armed men attacked Cobbinah’s gold-buying shop.
He was shot in the chest and died while being rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Hospital.
Investigations, including CCTV images and intelligence gathering, led to the arrest of the suspects.
Police also recovered locally manufactured pistols, ammunition, and other items allegedly connected to the robbery.
According to the police, the gang leader, Emmanuel Amponsah alias “Vandam”, who was arrested on August 21, later collapsed after complaining of severe chest pains and was pronounced dead at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital.
Police further told the court that gold valued at GH¢15,950, allegedly belonging to the deceased, was recovered from Grace Abakrow, who investigators say was given the gold by Amponsah after the robbery.
At Thursday’s court sitting, Chief Inspector Robert Yawson asked the court for more time to complete investigations, citing ongoing CCTV reviews and efforts to arrest other suspects.
Defense lawyers opposed further detention, arguing that police had already conducted extensive investigations.
The court, however, declined to grant bail, saying the case was before it for the first time and the police should be allowed to complete their investigations.
The case has since been adjourned to September 8, 2026.
Family members of the deceased were in court. They pleaded with authorities to ensure justice is served.
By Eric Nana Gyetuah
