Police probe First Atlantic Bank robbery

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a robbery attack that left two persons injured in front of the Ridge branch of the First Atlantic Bank in Accra. 

One of the injured persons has been identified as Ibrahim Shaibu, 21, one of the suspected robbers, while the other person is a customer of the bank who fell victim to the robbery attack.

Shaibu is receiving treatment at the Police Hospital in Accra, while the suspected robber is said to be in critical condition at an undisclosed medical facility in Accra.

The robbery attack on two customers of the bank who had cashed a big amount was foiled by some policemen on special duties in the area, which is noted for its banks. The incident happened about 4:30 p.m. last Tuesday.

It is said that the customers of the bank, who were carrying the money in a bag, were attacked and shot at by the two suspected robbers believed to have trailed them on an unregistered motorbike.

Briefing 

Briefing journalists yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs Afia Tenge, said one of the customers of the bank was shot at by the robbers.

She said some policemen on special and motor traffic duties close to the bank heard the gunshots and swiftly moved to the scene.

According to her, the suspects, on seeing the policemen approach the scene, engaged them in a gun battle.

Money retrieved 

She said the two suspects sustained gunshot wounds, adding that although the police managed to arrest the pillion rider, the motor rider managed to escape on the motorbike.

While the customer of the bank, who was shot at a number of times by the suspects, sustained injuries in the upper waist, it is said the police, in the course of the exchange of guns, hit the suspects in the hand, leg and waist. 

The other person, who was with the customer on the motorbike, was not harmed.

The GH¢139,000, which the robbers had attempted to snatch, has been retrieved by the police.

The police found one pistol, two rounds of live ammunition and two mobile phones on the suspect.

Mrs Tenge urged the public, especially managers of medical facilities and traditional healers, to report anyone who visited their facilities with gunshot wounds to the police on the emergency phone line 191 or 18555.

Writer’s email:emelia.ennin@graphic.com.gh