Two remanded over GH¢932k fuel theft

Two men accused of diverting a tanker loaded with petrol and later setting the vehicle ablaze to conceal the theft have been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court.

The suspects, identified as Alhassan Amidu and Francis Owusu, are facing charges including conspiracy, stealing and causing unlawful damage after prosecutors alleged they orchestrated the disappearance of fuel worth more than GH¢932,000.

According to the prosecution, the pair were assigned to transport 54,000 litres of petrol from Tema to Buipe on behalf of J.K. Narh Transport, a company owned by businessman Emmanuel Narh. Instead of delivering the consignment, investigators believe the fuel was unlawfully disposed of before the tanker was deliberately set on fire along the route.

Authorities allege the incident occurred on a section of road between Kawakpe and Gurupe. After the fire, the driver and his assistant reportedly informed their employer that the tanker had been involved in an accident and that both the vehicle and its cargo had been destroyed.

The explanation, however, reportedly raised suspicions, prompting a police investigation.

Prosecutors told the court that inquiries later uncovered evidence suggesting the tanker’s security seal had been interfered with. Investigators claim the accused admitted during questioning that holes were drilled into one of the tanker’s compartments, allowing access to the fuel before the vehicle was burned.

The destroyed tanker is estimated to be worth about GH¢980,000, adding to the losses allegedly suffered by the transport company.

Both accused persons pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the court. The case has been adjourned to August 31, 2026, while police continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and fire.

Source: myjoyonline.com