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Armed Robber sentenced to life in Prison

Armed Robber sentenced to life in Prison as A Kumasi High Court has handed a life sentence to Dominic Afriyie(the culprit), a 36-year-old man also known as “GH,” for the murder of a pharmacist and building contractor, Michael Dela Agbo Klu. In addition to the life sentence, the court gave him 120 years with hard labour for two separate counts of robbery. The judgment came after a full trial during which Afriyie pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty by a seven-member jury, with the case presided over by His Honour Abdul Razak.

The crime took place on November 20, 2021, when Afriyie broke into the home of Mr. Klu and his family in Atasemanso, a residential area in Kumasi. Armed with a gun, he held the family at gunpoint, stealing two mobile phones, an ASUS Zenbook laptop, and GH¢1,500 in cash. The robbery took a tragic turn when Afriyie shot and killed Mr. Klu before fleeing the scene.

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The violent nature of the attack and the loss of a respected member of the community left many residents in shock and anger. The incident triggered a police investigation that lasted several weeks. Eventually, on December 30, 2021, police received a tip-off about another planned robbery in the same Atasemanso area. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, law enforcement launched a surveillance operation that led to Afriyie’s arrest.

In the early hours of December 31, 2021, at around 2:20 a.m., police intercepted Afriyie and three others while they were travelling in a Toyota Corolla with registration number AS 5970-20. A search of the vehicle turned up two pistols and two single-barrelled shotguns. While the group was initially suspected of working together, further investigation revealed that Afriyie had acted alone in the robbery and murder of Mr. Klu.

The trial highlighted not only the brutality of the crime but also the meticulous work of the police in tracing the suspect and gathering enough evidence for a conviction. The judgment is seen as a significant moment of justice for the victim’s family and the broader Atasemanso community, which had been deeply affected by the murder.

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The case attracted public attention and widespread condemnation, with many calling for stronger measures to combat violent crime. With Afriyie’s sentencing, there is a sense of relief that justice has been served. The court’s ruling also sends a strong message that violent crimes, particularly those that result in the loss of life, will be met with the full force of the law.

For the family of Michael Dela Agbo Klu and the residents of Atasemanso, the sentencing of Dominic Afriyie brings some closure to a painful chapter. It marks the end of a case that stirred fear, grief, and outrage, and reaffirms the role of the justice system in holding criminals accountable.