Hope Osaze, the third accused individual in the Ablekuma bullion van robbery case, was not presented in court on Thursday as scheduled.
He reportedly fainted in his cell earlier that morning and was swiftly taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the police have initiated “fresh investigations” into the bullion van attack, during which a police officer lost his life at Ablekuma Fanmilk in Accra. Four individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in the incident.
At the Kaneshie District Court, Chief Inspector Apewah Archana led the prosecution and stated that new suspects, Hope Osazae and Blessing Ijoma, were arrested in recent weeks, prompting the need for further investigation.
Previously, Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul had been arraigned by the police after their arrests shortly after the incident.
The prosecution requested an extension of remand for the four accused individuals to enable the police to conclude their investigations and send the case file to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal advice.
The court, presided over by Nana Abena Asor Owusu Amenyo, adjourned the case to September 27, 2023.
Background
The accused, along with their accomplices, are alleged to have made away with GH¢145,163.08 following the robbery. They were apprehended by the police at Circle Railways in the act of enjoying themselves around 1:30 am.
Charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Lance Corporal Calystus Amoah have been brought against them, though their pleas have not yet been taken.
The police officer was fatally shot multiple times in an apparent robbery attempt on the occupants of the bullion van at a fuel station in Ablekuma.
The Ghana Police Service indicated that the suspects trailed the van to a fuel station, where the deadly encounter transpired. The officer, situated in the front passenger seat for security purposes, was shot at close range.