An Accra Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant against Arafat Al-Alhassan, accused of failing to appear in court thrice over a stolen unregistered Hyundai Elantra worth GHC150,000.
Al-Alhassan, a mobile phone dealer, faces charges of conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and possession of stolen property.
His accomplice, identified as Kula, is at large.
In the presence of his lawyer, Al-Alhassan denied the charges and was granted bail despite the prosecution’s objection.
The court directed the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Amoah, to provide disclosures to Al-Alhassan and his lawyer.
After receiving disclosures and witness statements, Al-Alhassan failed to appear in court on three separate occasions.
The prosecution indicated that they are filing a motion to serve Al-Alhassan’s sureties with forfeiture of recognizance to compel his court appearance.
The facts reveal that the complainant, Frank Ayim, is the father of Solomon Darfour, owner of the stolen vehicle.
They reside at Ablekuma-Amrahia.
Al-Alhassan operates at Circle, Accra, while Kula remains at large.
On November 22, 2024, Ayim parked the Hyundai Elantra at De Ace Court Hotel, Oduman, near Accra, but discovered it missing the next morning.
The incident was reported to the police.
On December 3, 2024, police intelligence located the vehicle at a welding shop in Walantu, Kasoa in the Central region.
The shop owner, Christopher Gyamfi, upon arrest, disclosed that Al-Alhassan brought the car for a color change from white to dark grey for GHC3,000.
Police placed the vehicle under surveillance, and on December 4, 2024, Al-Alhassan and another individual arrived to collect it but fled in his car.
During pursuit, Al-Alhassan crashed into a ditch, abandoned the car, and escaped.
He was later apprehended by motor riders in an uncompleted building and handed over to police.
Al-Alhassan led police to recover the stolen Hyundai Elantra and another suspected stolen vehicle.
He implicated his accomplice, Kula, as the supplier of the stolen cars.
“Efforts are being made to arrest the second accused person and other accomplices named by Al-Alhassan,” the prosecution stated.
GNA
KAS
April 7, 2025
