POLICE ARREST FIVE SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN ARMED ROBBERY CASES IN THE ASHANTI REGION
By Staff Reporter Denchemuoso, Ashanti Region – May 26, 2025
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has announced a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against armed robbery, following the arrest of five suspected criminals believed to be behind a string of violent robberies in Denchemuoso and surrounding communities.
In a statement released to the media, the Police revealed that on April 22, 2025, officers from the PID/Ashanti, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a key suspect, 32-year-old Michael Owusu Ansah, popularly known by the alias “Baby Last.” The suspect, according to authorities, had been on the Police wanted list since 2016 for his alleged involvement in the murder of a police officer and several other serious crimes.
Cold Case Breakthrough
The arrest of Baby Last marks a significant development in a nearly decade-long investigation. He was wanted in connection with the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of the SWAT Unit in the Ashanti Region. The tragic incident occurred on May 19, 2016, at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso, where Officer Essel was fatally shot during a botched robbery attempt. Despite years of manhunts and public appeals for information, the case had remained unsolved—until now.
During interrogation, Baby Last reportedly admitted to the killing and further confessed to his involvement in a series of armed robberies targeting both individuals and households in various communities. According to the Police, he provided critical leads that allowed the Directorate to trace the movements and activities of his accomplices.
Arrest of Gang Members
Following the breakthrough confession, the Police launched coordinated operations to arrest other members of the robbery syndicate. Between April 25 and May 5, 2025, four more individuals were arrested from different hideouts in Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso. They were identified as:
Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy
Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame
Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais
Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
According to investigators, the gang had been operating with high levels of sophistication and violence, often using a range of weapons including knives, pistols, and pump-action shotguns. Their modus operandi included sudden street ambushes, home invasions, and even attacks on small businesses, usually targeting cash, electronics, and mobile phones. Victims were often left injured, with some incidents resulting in fatalities.
One Suspect Still at Large
Despite the successful arrest of these five individuals, the Police have confirmed that one member of the gang is still on the run. His identity has been withheld for operational reasons, but the authorities assured the public that a manhunt is underway to track him down and recover any remaining weapons used in the robberies.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure all those involved in these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” said a senior officer from the Police Intelligence Directorate. “We call on the public to volunteer any information they may have about suspicious activities or individuals in their communities. It is through such collaborations that we can ensure lasting security.”
Court Proceedings Begin
The five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025. During the court session, the prosecution presented the initial findings from the investigation and requested a remand to allow for further inquiries, especially concerning the outstanding suspect and the recovery of weapons.
The presiding judge granted the request, remanding the suspects into Police custody. They are expected to reappear before the court on June 4, 2025. Legal experts anticipate that the trial will involve multiple charges, including armed robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal possession of firearms, and murder.
Community Reactions
The news of the arrests has been met with widespread relief among residents of Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, and surrounding areas. Many locals expressed gratitude to the Police for their diligence and called for sustained efforts to maintain law and order in the region.
“I feel safer now,” said Kwame Frimpong, a local shop owner in Denchemuoso who had been a victim of a robbery last year. “We had lived in fear for far too long. I thank the Police for acting swiftly and bringing these criminals to book.”
Others called for harsher penalties for convicted armed robbers, arguing that leniency only encourages repeat offenses. Some community leaders have also suggested the installation of more streetlights and the formation of neighborhood watch committees to help deter crime.
Police Urge Public Vigilance
In their concluding remarks, the Ashanti Regional Police Command reiterated their commitment to fighting crime and called on citizens to support law enforcement through timely and accurate information.
“We are aware of the fear and trauma these crimes have caused,” the statement read. “But we want to assure the public that we are working tirelessly to restore peace and order. We also urge everyone to remain vigilant and report anything unusual to the nearest Police station.”
The arrest of the Denchemuoso gang is being hailed as a significant victory in the Police’s broader campaign against violent crime in the region. As the suspects await trial, the focus now shifts to the final arrest and the successful prosecution of the entire syyou'd like this turned into a PDF, formatted for publishing, or translated into another language
blogpay
Total Comments: 0