The Western North Regional Police Command has taken down what investigators describe as a fast-growing robbery network that relied heavily on charms a
The Western North Regional Police Command has taken down what investigators describe as a fast-growing robbery network that relied heavily on charms and talismans for “spiritual protection” during their operations.
Five suspects, all young men terrorizing communities within Sefwi Bekwai and neighbouring towns, were arrested after weeks of intelligence gathering.
The suspects- Iddrisu Abdalla, 20; Abdul Rahaman Abubakar, 21; Okasha Mohammed, 19; Toffic Bawa, 24; and Richard Gyapong, 35 — had allegedly been behind a number of coordinated robberies that left residents living in fear.
Police sources say the gang had become notorious for launching sudden attacks on traders, pedestrians, and motorbike riders using speed, intimidation, and supposed spiritual fortification.
Background
For several weeks, police investigators monitored rising cases of night-time robberies and motorbike snatchings around Sefwi Bekwai.
Witness accounts consistently pointed to a group of young men who were believed to be relying on “juju”— charms tied around their waists, hands, and necks — to boost their confidence during crimes and to evade arrest.
The gang’s activities became more daring in late November when they reportedly assaulted victims along bush paths connecting Bekwai to smaller farming settlements.
This prompted the Police Command to deploy undercover officers and intensify surveillance across known robbery hotspots.
How the Arrest Happened
According to the police, the breakthrough came during an intelligence-led operation around the Mpesiem checkpoint.
Officers spotted three of the suspects speeding on an unregistered motorbike. Upon being signaled to stop, they ignored police instructions and attempted to flee. A brief chase ensued, leading to their arrest.
Further leads resulted in a coordinated swoop on the hideouts of the remaining suspects.
A search at their various residences uncovered a backpack filled with multiple talismans, charms, a black face mask, and several metal rings, believed to be spiritual items the group used for protection and intimidation during their robbery operations.
Link to Multiple Robberies
Preliminary investigations have since connected the five men to a number of robbery incidents reported over the past month.
Police say victims of earlier attacks have already begun identifying the suspects, strengthening the case against them.
Investigators are also examining whether the unregistered motorbike recovered during the arrest is linked to previous snatching incidents reported within the enclave.
All five suspects are currently being held as the investigation widens to determine whether more individuals are involved in the “juju robbery” network.
The police are confident that the arrests will significantly reduce robberies in Sefwi Bekwai and restore public confidence in security operations.
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