Two charged with conspiracy and robbery

The Asamankese Circuit Court on Tuesday remanded in prison custody two men who appeared before it charged with conspiracy and robbery. Richard Obeng, 20, a sign writer and Christian Okyere, 25, a tailor, were accused of robbing a student, Isaac Larbi, of a mobile phone valued at GHC 120, GHC 7.50 and a wrist watch. They were remanded in prison custody until February 15 after pleading not guilty to both counts. Police Detective Chief Inspector Xystus Okorey told the court that Larbi was among students of Amedu Presbyterian Junior High School who attended a record dance at Suhum He said when they were returning to their village at about 0140 hours and on reaching the Suhum Kotokoli Zongo they were met by the two accused persons and two others now at large. The students were ordered to stop and to declare the items they were carrying on them but they refused to comply. The prosecutor said Obeng and Okyere all of a sudden held the hands of Larbi behind him and Obeng dipped his hands into his pocket and removed a purse containing the cash and also took the wristwatch and mobile phone. A report was made to the police and the accused were traced to the Suhum terminus of Metro Mass Transit where they had joined other youth in merry-making. On seeing the police, the accused took to their heels but they were chased and arrested.