Trader allegedly Conspires with ‘National Security Operatives’ to Rob Ivorian of GH¢3.85 Million

A 55-year-old trader, Mohammed Umaro, has been arraigned before the Circuit Court in Dansoman, Accra, for allegedly conspiring with accomplices—including individuals posing as national security operatives—to rob an Ivorian businessman of GH¢3,853,386.00.

Umaro, charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery, made his first appearance before Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit on Friday, June 13, 2025. He pleaded not guilty to both counts after the charges were read to him in open court.

The state prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Kwadwo Aboagye on behalf of Prosecutor Christopher Wonder, alleged that Umaro (A1) acted together with four others—Alhaji Kamara Sankara (A2), Alhaji Sumaila (A3), Don Kingmafia (A4), and Efo Sammy (A5)—all of whom are currently at large.

Alleged Facts of the Case

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Moussa Bamba, a businessman from Côte d’Ivoire, arrived in Ghana on May 25, 2025, for business negotiations on behalf of his partners in Dubai.

Upon his arrival, he contacted A2, an acquaintance, to help him acquire gold for export. Sankara (A2) allegedly introduced him to Umaro, who was presented as a licensed gold dealer operating through DANAMPCO Company Limited.

After being shown what appeared to be legitimate documentation, Bamba entered an agreement with Umaro to purchase 100kg of gold. To establish financial capability, Bamba was asked to purchase an initial 6kg of gold for $450,000 (GH¢3.85 million).

On June 3, 2025, the complainant met Umaro and A2 at A&C Mall, where he handed over the full cash amount.

Shortly after, while at an office in Dzorwulu identified as Sankara’s workplace, a group of armed men dressed in military attire and claiming to be national security officers allegedly stormed the office, held Bamba at gunpoint, and robbed him of the entire amount.

The prosecution contends that Umaro and his accomplices orchestrated the robbery, using impersonators and a staged office setting to execute the plan. Investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the accomplices.

Bail Application Denied

Despite a strong plea from Umaro’s legal team—M. Amedewonu Esq., M. Laryea Esq., and E. Gbedeku Esq.—the court denied him bail.

Her Honour Abdul-Baasit ruled that based on the gravity of the offence, the involvement of accomplices still at large, and the substantial amount involved, the accused should remain in police custody.

The judge cited Section 96(5)(6) of Act 30, noting the seriousness of the charges and the need to prevent any potential interference with ongoing investigations.

The case has been adjourned to June 23, 2025, with instructions for the prosecution to expedite their investigations.

Due to the monetary value of the alleged robbery exceeding the prosecutorial limits of the current prosecutor, the case docket is to be forwarded to the Attorney- General for advice.

Umaro remains in custody as the search continues for his alleged accomplices.

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