A Ho Circuit Court in the Volta Region has sentenced three individuals for their involvement in a violent armed robbery attack on Mr. Makafui Atsu Kumordzi, the Director of Makafui and Son’s Limited, a lotto company based in Ayitikope, within the Akatsi South Municipality. The convicts—Nzete Chukunhru Best, 28, Mark Billy Agbozo, 31, also known as “Teacher,” and Ernest Sokpi Amevor, 32, popularly called “Peace Maker”—were found guilty of abetment of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery after a thorough trial.
Presided over by Circuit Court Judge Mr. Felix Datsomor, the court delivered its judgment on Monday, December 23, following a meticulous review of evidence. Agbozo and Sokpi Amevor received 25-year sentences in hard labour on two counts each, totaling 50 years each, to run concurrently. Nzete Chukunhru, the first accused, was sentenced to 25 years in hard labour for abetment of robbery. The court’s decision, despite pleas for leniency from the convicts, was intended to serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar acts.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Andrews Dodzi Adugu, a senior state attorney at the Attorney General’s Office in the Volta Region, provided detailed evidence of the convicts’ roles in the crime. Nzete Chukunhru, a Nigerian national dealing in second-hand clothing in Accra, was identified as a key participant alongside Agbozo and Sokpi Amevor, both drivers and residents of Ehi, near Agbozume.
The robbery took place on May 29, 2021, at approximately 11:30 p.m., while Mr. Kumordzi was asleep at his residence in Ayitikope. The group of attackers, using a Daewoo taxi-cab with registration number GE 3739-12, carefully planned their assault. Nzete was assigned the role of a spy and was dropped off before the scene, while the remaining convicts and six unidentified accomplices scaled the fence wall of the residence and broke into the living room.
The attackers, all masked and heavily armed with guns, metal bars, and machetes, exhibited extreme violence during the incident. Mr. Kumordzi was shot three times in his left thigh, leaving him seriously injured. Under the threat of further violence, the assailants stole an estimated total of GH₵825,000. This included GH₵160,000 in Ghanaian cedis, CFA Francs valued at GH₵640,000, and GH₵25,000 belonging to Mrs. Peace Lordeena Sedofia, Mr. Kumordzi’s wife.
The brutal nature of the crime left the community in shock and led to an intense investigation by the Ghana Police Service. The arrest of Nzete Chukunhru in Accra on November 26, 2021, during a police swoop, marked a turning point in the case. During his interrogation, Nzete confessed to participating in multiple robberies, including the Ayitikope attack. His confession provided critical leads, resulting in the arrest of Agbozo.
Initially, Agbozo denied involvement in the robbery but later admitted his role, revealing that he drove the gang to the scene and actively participated in the crime. He disclosed that the stolen cash was divided among the group members after the operation.
This attack was not an isolated incident for Makafui and Son’s Limited. The company has been the target of several violent robberies over the years. Between 2021 and 2022, these incidents escalated, culminating in the tragic death of one of the company’s drivers, Dotsey Dogbatey. Dogbatey was fatally shot after returning from his routine collection of daily lotto papers, further highlighting the security challenges faced by businesses in the area.
The sentencing of the three convicts represents a significant victory in the fight against armed robbery in the region. However, the search for the six unidentified accomplices involved in the Ayitikope robbery continues. Law enforcement agencies have assured the public of their commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of a robust legal system in addressing violent crimes and protecting communities. Armed robbery not only threatens the safety of individuals but also undermines economic activities and public trust in the rule of law. The sentences handed down to Nzete, Agbozo, and Sokpi Amevor serve as a warning to others who may consider engaging in such criminal activities.
Makafui and Son’s Limited, like many other businesses in Ghana, has had to navigate the dual challenges of economic uncertainty and security threats. The series of robberies and violent attacks on its operations highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and community support to safeguard businesses and livelihoods.
The Ghana Police Service has called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The fight against armed robbery requires the collective effort of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the community. As investigations into the Ayitikope robbery continue, there is hope that all those involved will eventually be apprehended and face the full force of the law.
This case also brings to the fore the broader issue of cross-border crimes and the role of foreign nationals in some of these activities. Nzete Chukunhru’s involvement as a Nigerian national raises questions about regional collaboration in addressing crime. Strengthening security at Ghana’s borders and fostering collaboration with neighbouring countries will be crucial in curbing such transnational crimes.
The sentencing of the three convicts is a step in the right direction, but the journey to achieving lasting security in the Volta Region and beyond is far from over. Stakeholders must work together to address the root causes of crime, support victims, and create an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive without fear.
As the victims of the Ayitikope robbery continue to recover from the trauma, the community can take some solace in the fact that justice has been served. The sentences handed down by the Ho Circuit Court send a clear message that Ghana’s legal system remains committed to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
