An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 29-year-old man to three years in prison for stealing two industrial sewing machines, each worth GHC5,000, from a warehouse at Spintex.
The man, Mohammed Salisu, was found guilty after he admitted to breaking into the warehouse and taking the machines. He pleaded guilty to the charges of unlawful entry and theft.
The court presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah, also freed another man, Mahama Shitu. He was Salisu’s co-accused.
Salisu told the court he acted alone and only asked Shitu to help him move the stolen machines. Based on this, the court discharged Shitu from the charges of conspiracy and unlawful entry.
Inspector Shiela Tetteh, who led the prosecution, said the complaint was made by a businesswoman who lives in Sakumono.
Inspector Tetteh explained that Salisu used to work as a supervisor at the woman’s bakery and restaurant. He lived in Nungua. She described Shitu as a tailor who also lives in Nungua, specifically at a place called Adegonno.
The prosecutor added that in October 2024, the businesswoman reported that her “Motor King” tricycle, which was worth GHC39,000, had been stolen. She suspected Salisu of the theft. He was arrested but later released on bail.
That same night after being released, Salisu went to the woman’s warehouse. He had a copy of the keys. He entered the warehouse and stole two sewing machines. Then he ran away and took all his belongings with him, leaving the area completely.
For months, no one could find Salisu. The police kept searching, but he remained missing until February 28, 2025. That day, police found CCTV footage that showed Shitu with Salisu. Shitu was arrested at the Sakumono Police Station.
After his arrest, Shitu helped the police by leading them to Agona Swedru, where Salisu was hiding. However, when Salisu saw the police coming, he ran away again.
On March 3, 2025, police were finally able to track him down and arrest him at Nungua.
During police questioning, Salisu admitted that he stole the sewing machines. He said he took them to Togo and sold them for GHC2,000. He refused to give the name or details of the person who bought the machines.
Shitu, on the other hand, told the police that he did not know the machines were stolen. He thought Salisu had permission from the owner to move them.
Source | GNA
