Accra Circuit Court Remands Scrap Dealer Over $30,700 Transformer Robbery at Yunzu Group

An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a 47-year-old scrap dealer, Razak Osman, into police custody following his alleged involvement in a violent heist targeting the Yunzu Group of Companies. Osman faces charges of conspiracy and robbery in connection with the theft of four electricity transformers valued at approximately US$30,700. Despite denying the allegations in court, the presiding judge ordered his remand to facilitate ongoing police efforts to locate several accomplices who remain at large. The court's decision underscores the severity of the crime and the necessity of ensuring the suspect remains available during the investigation.

The incident reportedly occurred on January 1, 2026, when Osman and a gang of accomplices allegedly stormed the Yunzu Group’s warehouse. According to the prosecution, the group gained entry by posing as National Security operatives, a common tactic used to intimidate victims. Once inside, they held workers at gunpoint, assaulted them, and seized their mobile phones before forcibly removing the heavy transformers. The audacity of the heist, conducted under the guise of state authority, has raised significant concerns regarding the security of industrial infrastructure and the increasing trend of criminals impersonating security officials.

Law enforcement’s breakthrough in the case came following the arrest of a truck driver who was allegedly hired to transport the stolen equipment. Police reports indicate that the driver provided testimony that corroborated Osman's direct connection to the crime, leading to the scrap dealer's subsequent apprehension. During the legal proceedings, the prosecution successfully argued against bail, maintaining that Osman’s release could jeopardize the investigation. The court agreed, noting that the suspect’s assistance is vital for the police to track down the remaining members of the gang and recover the stolen assets.

This case highlights a disturbing trend of high-value industrial thefts and the use of sophisticated deceptions to bypass traditional security measures in the capital. As the investigation continues, the police are focused on dismantling the network responsible for this robbery and recovering the transformers, which represent a significant loss to the Yunzu Group. Osman remains in custody awaiting further court dates, while the judiciary signals a firm stance against violent robberies that threaten private enterprise and public order.