Trader 'Cocoa Krakye' Remanded by Accra Court Over GH¢400,000 Mitsubishi Montero Robbery

Emmanuel Yaw Duku, a 57-year-old trader also known by the aliases "Cocoa Krakye" and Obed Blankson, has been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court for his alleged involvement in the robbery of a businessman. Duku is accused of conspiring with two accomplices, identified as Kofi and "Air Force," to steal a Mitsubishi Montero Station Wagon valued at GH¢400,000 from Joseph Bright Dankwah. While Duku has pleaded not guilty to the charges of conspiracy and robbery, the court ordered his remand as investigations into the criminal network continue. The prosecution's case details a calculated plot that began on June 26, 2025, when Duku allegedly contacted Mr. Dankwah under the guise of an interested buyer for the luxury vehicle. After building rapport, Duku lured the businessman to a meeting point near the Galilea Market. It was at this location that the trap was sprung; while Duku maintained his pretense, his accomplice Kofi reportedly launched a physical attack on Dankwah, allowing the group to seize the vehicle and flee the scene. The breakthrough in the case occurred nearly a year later, on April 20, 2026, when police apprehended Duku in connection with a separate car-snatching incident. During the subsequent investigation, authorities found evidence linking him to the robbery of Mr. Dankwah. Police revealed that Duku utilized a sophisticated method of operation involving several pre-registered SIM cards to conduct fraudulent activities and evade detection. Following his arrest and further interrogation, the stolen Mitsubishi Montero was successfully recovered on May 1, 2026. While Duku remains in legal custody, the Accra Circuit Court and local law enforcement are intensifying efforts to apprehend the two accomplices, Kofi and "Air Force," who remain at large. This case highlights a persistent trend of car-related crimes where criminals use deceptive buyer personas to target high-value assets. Authorities have reiterated the importance of public vigilance, advising citizens to conduct high-value transactions at secure locations, such as police stations, to prevent such violent encounters.