Weija Circuit Court Remands 21-Year-Old for Stealing Electricity Meters
The Weija Circuit Court has remanded Bismark Owusu, a 21-year-old unemployed man, into custody for two weeks for allegedly stealing and causing damage to electricity meters belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), valued at Gh¢10,000.00.
Presided over by Mr. Joshua Caleb Abaidoo, the court charged Owusu with two counts of unlawful damage and stealing. The accused has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2024.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Inspector Joseph Barabu, presented evidence that on September 20, 2024, a complainant witnessed a mob attacking Owusu at the “Choice” area near the Police Barrier in Weija, Accra. The complainant intervened to prevent the accused from being lynched and subsequently took him to the New Weija Police Station.
At the police station, Owusu was rearrested and interrogated. The prosecution revealed that the accused was known as a “shadow boy,” someone who typically assists vehicles loading from Mallam Junction to Kasoa. Owusu claimed he was instructed by an unidentified man to retrieve three electricity meters wrapped in a polythene bag from behind a kiosk.
According to the prosecution, after collecting the meters, Owusu and his accomplice attempted to find a motorbike to return to Mallam Junction when they were confronted by a group of people who suspected them of theft. While his accomplice managed to escape, Owusu was apprehended and beaten by the mob.
The prosecution further noted that Owusu was unable to assist the police in locating his accomplice. The court was informed that there had been multiple reports of thieves stealing electricity meters from poles at night in the area, highlighting a growing concern over electrical theft.
