In a landmark ruling, the Ho Circuit Court in the Volta Region has convicted three individuals for their involvement in a violent armed robbery targeting Mr. Makafui Atsu Kumordzi, Director of Makafui and Son’s Limited, a lotto company based in Ayitikope, Akatsi South Municipality.
The convicted individuals, Nzete Chukunhru Best (28), Mark Billy Agbozo, alias “Teacher” (31), and Ernest Sokpi Amevor, known as “Peace Maker” (32), faced charges of abetment of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and other related offenses.
Sentencing Details
- Mark Billy Agbozo and Ernest Sokpi Amevor: Each sentenced to 50 years in prison with hard labor, to run concurrently (25 years for each of two charges).
- Nzete Chukunhru: Sentenced to 25 years in prison with hard labor for abetment of robbery.
The ruling, delivered on December 23, 2024, by Circuit Court Judge Felix Datsomor, followed a thorough trial during which the convicts pleaded for leniency but were handed their sentences to serve as a deterrent.
Case Overview
The attack occurred on May 29, 2021, at approximately 11:30 PM when the robbers, traveling in a Daewoo taxi-cab (registration number GE 3739-12), targeted Mr. Kumordzi’s residence. The operation involved eight perpetrators, two of whom—Agbozo and Amevor—scaled the fence wall with their accomplices, broke into the house, and entered the living room.
Details of the Attack:
- Armed with guns, machetes, and metal bars, the robbers shot Mr. Kumordzi three times in his left thigh.
- At gunpoint, they looted cash amounting to GH₵160,000, CFA Franc equivalent to GH₵640,000, and an additional GH₵25,000 belonging to Mrs. Peace Lordeena Sedofia, Mr. Kumordzi’s wife. The total amount stolen was approximately GH₵825,000.
Role of Nzete Chukunhru: Acting as a lookout, Nzete provided crucial intelligence to the group before the operation.
Arrest and Prosecution
Nzete Chukunhru was apprehended in Accra on November 26, 2021, during a police swoop. Under interrogation, he admitted to participating in multiple robberies, including the Ayitikope incident, and identified Agbozo as the getaway driver.
Agbozo initially denied involvement but later confessed, admitting he drove the gang to the robbery scene, participated in the heist, and helped distribute the stolen money.
Previous Attacks on Makafui and Son’s Limited
The lotto company has faced repeated violent attacks. Between 2021 and 2022, one such attack resulted in the death of Dotsey Dogbatey, a company driver, who was fatally shot after collecting lotto papers.
Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining accomplices involved in the Ayitikope robbery.
This high-profile case underscores the Ghanaian judiciary’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring justice for victims.
