The Accra High Court has once again refused bail to Yahuza Osman, the man accused of robbing former Second Lady Matilda Amissah-Arthur and others.
Osman, arrested on April 16, 2024, faces charges of robbery and money laundering and is scheduled to reappear in court on May 21.
Presiding Judge Justice Lydia Osei Marfo cited the serious nature of the accusations and the compelling evidence against Osman in denying bail, expressing concerns that he might not stand trial if released.
Osman’s counsel, Mr. Paul Asibi Abariga, assured the court that his client would cooperate if granted bail.
However, Senior State Attorney Amanda Awadey opposed the application, arguing Osman posed a flight risk.
In addition to allegedly robbing a 76-year-old woman in Ridge, Accra, Osman stands accused of assaulting Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur, widow of former Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, during a robbery at her residence, where he purportedly stole GH¢28,000, £50, and $2,200.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Frances M. Ansah, detailed further robberies Osman allegedly committed against affluent individuals, resulting in the theft of valuable items including Rolex and Cartier watches, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and jewelry worth thousands of dollars.
Ansah asserted that Osman used the proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles and apartments.
Osman pleaded not guilty to 26 counts of robbery and money laundering on April 16, 2024, before Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, and has remained in prison custody since, with a reappearance scheduled for May 2.
The Police CID received multiple reports of residential robberies in the second quarter of 2023, allegedly committed by Osman in areas such as Airport, Cantonments, Tesano, and Ridge.
CCTV footage from Kaeela Courts Apartments, provided by Dr. Abu Sakara Foster on December 4, 2023, helped identify Osman.
Further incidents of robbery involving Osman occurred on December 4 and December 5, 2023, prompting his pursuit and eventual arrest on December 15, 2023, in Kasoa, Central Region.