War in court as couple gets 25 year jail term for stealing.

 

A confrontation erupted in a courtroom as a businessman vehemently disputed his 15-year prison sentence for charges of conspiracy to steal, abetment of crime, and money laundering. Following the pronouncement of the verdict, Frank Kwesi Obeng immediately questioned the judge, asking, "Do you know me? Why have you sentenced me to 15 years in prison?"

In a dramatic turn of events, Obeng removed his shirt and approached the judge with evident anger. However, the timely intervention of the prosecutor and a court warrant officer ensured that Judge Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah was escorted to her chambers, averting a potentially volatile situation. Obeng was subsequently led out of the courtroom without his shirt or sandals.

Amidst the commotion, some sympathizers present at the court expressed skepticism regarding the complainant's claims and objected to the court's judgment.

Also on trial was Joyce Safowaa, Obeng's wife and accomplice, who faced charges of conspiracy to steal, abetment of crime, and stealing GH₵712,229 belonging to the complainant, Mavis Toffan.

Safowaa was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and upon hearing the verdict, she exclaimed, "God, I am dreaming!" She then sat in her chair in disbelief.

At the conclusion of the trial, Judge Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah ordered the transfer of all the landed property and a Toyota Venza believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of the crime to the complainant. Additionally, the items in a shop owned by the convicts were to be released to the complainant. The convicts were also required to repay the complainant's GH₵712,229.

According to the prosecution led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Emmanuel Haligah, the complainant, Mavis Toffan, is a businesswoman residing in Accra and the proprietor of MAVOBED Enterprise, specializing in children's clothes and baby accessories. She owns a large store in Okaishie and a warehouse behind it.

Safowaa had worked as a salesperson in the complainant's shop for 13 years, gaining her trust. Whenever the complainant traveled to China on business trips, she entrusted Safowaa with the keys to both the store and the warehouse.

In 2013, Obeng persuaded Safowaa to steal from the complainant to establish their own business. To execute this plan, Obeng rented a store in Weija. Safowaa, with access to the keys, pilfered goods from the store and warehouse, delivering them to Obeng.

This theft continued, with Safowaa sometimes ordering goods in the complainant's name but redirecting them to their Weija store. Eventually, they moved their business to Kasoa, using proceeds to rent a store and purchase a Toyota Venza and a plot of land.

The complainant only discovered the theft in 2016 when her business faced financial difficulties. After investigating, she reported Safowaa and Obeng to the police, who subsequently admitted to their crimes during interrogations. An audit revealed that Safowaa had stolen goods worth GH₵712,229 between 2013 and 2018.

Share your thoughts and comments with us in the section below.