Police arrest seven over council of state member robbery

Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with a highway robbery targeting a member of Ghana’s Council of State, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed.

The announcement was made by COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), during a press briefing on Thursday.

According to COP Donkor, the robbery occurred on July 21, 2025, along the Tamale–Buipe Highway, when six armed men intercepted the victim, taking mobile phones, cash, wristwatches, reading glasses, a laptop, and other valuables.

Investigators made a breakthrough on January 11, 2026, after intelligence from the CID led the Anti-Robbery Unit to Salaga in the Savannah Region. There, Rashida Yussif was arrested in possession of an iPhone 7 Plus stolen during the attack. “The phone was recovered,” COP Donkor confirmed.

Police traced the device further to a mobile phone shop at Dagomba Line, where shop attendant Aaron Abana Baswi Fanga was arrested. He claimed the device came from his uncle. Wilson Avasong, a shop owner and environmental officer in Tamale, was also apprehended for purchasing the phone for GH₵1,000 from a repairer. Investigators later arrested Muntaro Idrisu, alias “Virgin,” a phone repairer at Aboabo Market, who provided details that led them to the primary suspect.

In Dungu, a suburb of Tamale, police arrested Aminu Zebrilla, alias “Bedman,” 35, a motorbike rider with a history of violent crime. He admitted selling the stolen phone to Muntaro Idrisu for GH₵650. A search of his residence uncovered a large cache of weapons and stolen items, including a locally made shotgun and pistol, live ammunition, a sword inscribed “Bedman,” 15 mobile phones, 17 watches, a motorbike, and other property reportedly taken from victims.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Inusa Sumaila, alias “Agenda,” 42, and Haruna Safiano, 32, both apprehended at a hideout behind the Tamale China Mall.

COP Donkor stated that the case remains active as the police continue efforts to apprehend other gang members and recover weapons believed to be in circulation. “Investigations are ongoing to track down other suspects and recover any outstanding stolen property,” she said.

The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that all suspects will be prosecuted and urged citizens to report any information that could aid the investigation.