The Volta Regional Police Command has successfully secured the conviction of a 25-year-old armed robber, Paul Avortide, also known as Tinted, for robbing a pregnant woman at knifepoint in Ho.
On May 21, 2025, at around 4:00 a.m., the convict attacked Ogechi Chidiebere, a Nigerian national, near Tsikpota, close to New Housing in Ho. Armed with a machete, Avortide robbed the expectant mother of ₵3,000 in cash and a Tecno Spark 30c smartphone valued at ₵2,500, as she made her way to the Ho Municipal Hospital for antenatal care.
Following weeks of investigation, police on June 19, 2025, arrested Harmony Nbonu, alias Arab Money, 23, at the Ho Main Market. He was found in possession of the stolen phone and later admitted that Avortide had sold it to him for ₵850.
A coordinated operation between the police and Nbonu led to Avortide’s arrest in Matse, a suburb of Ho, where he had been hiding while attempting to flee the area.
Police charged Avortide with Robbery, contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as amended by Act 646. Nbonu faced a charge of Dishonestly Receiving, under Section 146 of the same law.
Both appeared before the Ho Circuit Court on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, presided over by His Honour Osman Abdul Hakeem.
- Avortide pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 19 years in hard labour.
- Nbonu was acquitted and discharged.
Avortide has since been transferred to the Ho Regional Prison to begin serving his sentence.
The Volta Regional Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing criminals and safeguarding the peace and security of the region.
By Peter Quao Adattor
