The Mankessim Circuit Court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to a 24-year-old herbalist, John Awila, also known as “Nana Kojo Agbeko,” for his involvement in a robbery incident near Breman-Asikuma in the Central Region.

Awila, who also claimed to be a reporter with Onua TV and Passion TV, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery but appealed for leniency. However, the court, presided over by Mrs. Veronique Abena Praba Tetteh, convicted him of the offences.

The Attorney General is also preparing advice on a docket to prosecute Awila for possible murder and illegal possession of firearms.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Alhassan Iddrisu, the incident involved Mr Elijah Addo, a teacher, and the complainant who entrusted his red and yellow Toyota Yaris Taxi cab with registration number CR-5569-21 to Mr Ishmael Assan, a driver, to work and render sales.

On Friday, February 9, Awila hired the driver to Breman-Asikuma but diverted the route, instructing the driver to head towards Asuokor. Upon reaching the Asuokor community, Awila directed the driver to park the car and accompany him to a nearby village where he claimed his mother lived.

During the journey, Awila suddenly turned hostile, brandishing a pistol from his bag and robbing the driver of his valuables, including cash and a mobile phone. Despite the victim's pleas, Awila demanded the ignition key of the vehicle and, upon receiving it, shot the driver in the left ear, causing severe injury.

Subsequently, Awila fled with the car, leaving the injured victim in the wilderness. The victim managed to seek help from an old woman, who assisted him and informed the authorities.

Following his arrest on Thursday, February 22, Awila was found in possession of the stolen vehicle, which he had repainted and altered. A thorough investigation led to the recovery of a pistol with three live cartridges from his residence.

Awila was subsequently charged with the offenses after police investigation.