A high-stakes police operation in Bawjiase, Central Region, has ended with the death of a suspected armed robber after a tense confrontation with officers in the early hours of the morning.
The suspect, Clement Kofi Aidoo, also known as Yaw or Paddy, was shot during an attempted arrest at Danso near Bawjiase after he allegedly lunged at police officers with a sharpened cutlass. He was rushed to the Police Hospital but was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.
The Back Story
The operation followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations into a violent robbery at Labone, Accra, involving a 77-year-old woman, Christiana Frimpong, who was attacked in her room, restrained, and robbed of her Toyota Hilux pickup, an iPhone 16 Pro Max, and other valuables.
The case was escalated after the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, referred a formal petition to the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit (AARU) of the CID Headquarters. Sustained surveillance led investigators to the suspects’ hideout in the Awutu Senya District.
According to a police situational report, when officers closed in, the suspect attempted to escape through a window and advanced on them with a cutlass, prompting the fatal response.
Exhibits and Wider Probe
Police recovered the stolen Toyota Hilux (GW 9834-25), documents, a mobile phone belonging to the complainant, and both voter and police ID cards found in the suspect’s possession. These discoveries triggered further investigations, including the invitation of a serving police officer whose ID card was retrieved during the operation.
Investigators say the suspect had a history of fleeing with stolen vehicles and valuables, using multiple identities across the Central and Greater Accra Regions.
What Happens Next
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network linked to the robbery spree and to determine how official identification documents ended up in criminal circulation.
The incident has reignited debate around armed robbery, police response, and officer safety during high-risk arrests, as security agencies intensify efforts to clamp down on violent crime.
Source: paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
