A planned robbery targeting banks in Accra’s Labone area has reportedly been foiled by the Ghana Police Service, with one Nigerian arrested and two suspected gang members killed during an intelligence-led operation.
The police identified the arrested Nigerian as Augustine Okechuku Maazi and said the operation was carried out on Thursday after intelligence was received at about 10:45 a.m. that a robbery syndicate was preparing to attack GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank in the area.
Officers deployed to Labone reportedly found suspected gang members in vehicles parked close to the banks.
According to the police, one vehicle sped away after the suspects noticed the officers, leading to a chase during which Maazi was arrested while another occupant escaped. The occupants of a second vehicle allegedly attempted to flee while firing at the officers. Police said they returned fire, killing two suspects.
A fourth suspect reportedly escaped and is now being pursued by the police.
Two vehicles allegedly linked to the suspects were recovered – a Toyota Highlander and a Hyundai Tucson, along with a blow pistol. The police said Maazi remains in custody and is assisting with investigations, while the bodies of the two deceased suspects have been deposited at a morgue for identification and autopsy.
However, GCB Bank has denied that its Labone branch was robbed or that an attempted robbery took place on its premises. The bank said its premises and operations were not breached and that no customer, employee, funds or property was affected.
The police have not clarified whether the alleged robbery plot involved plans to enter the banks or target customers and other people in the vicinity.
