By Grace Zigah
The Volta Regional Police Command has secured a significant conviction in a violent robbery case that shocked residents of Ho earlier this year.
A 25-year-old man, Paul Avortide, popularly known by his alias “Tinted”, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison with hard labour after pleading guilty to charges of armed robbery.
The conviction was delivered on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, by Osman Abdul Hakeem at the Ho Circuit Court, following weeks of intensive police investigations and intelligence-led operations.
Attack on Pregnant Woman Sparks Outrage
The case dates back to May 21, 2025, when Avortide ambushed and robbed a pregnant Nigerian woman, Ogechi Chidiebere, in the early hours of the morning.
The incident occurred around 4:00 am at Tsikpota near New Housing, Ho, while the victim was on her way to attend antenatal care at the Ho Municipal Hospital.
Armed with a machete, the assailant reportedly threatened and traumatized the expectant mother before robbing her of GH¢3,000 in cash and a Tecno Spark 30c mobile phone valued at GH¢2,500.
The brazen nature of the crime, targeting a vulnerable woman on a medical visit, drew public condemnation and spurred police efforts.
Breakthrough via Stolen Phone
Police made a breakthrough in the case nearly a month later.
On June 19, 2025, the Regional Police Intelligence Unit arrested a 23-year-old man, Harmony Nbonu, alias “Arab Money”, at the Ho main market. Nbonu was found in possession of the stolen phone.
During interrogations, Nbonu disclosed that the phone had been sold to him by Avortide for GH¢850.
That tip led officers to Matse, a suburb of Ho, where Avortide was arrested while attempting to flee the township.
Both suspects were subsequently charged: Avortide with robbery under Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) as amended by Act 646 of 2003, and Nbonu with dishonest receiving under Section 146 of the same law.
Court Delivers Justice
At trial, Paul Avortide pleaded guilty and was convicted on his own plea.
He was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment with hard labour (I.H.L.).
His accomplice, Harmony Nbonu, was acquitted and discharged by the court due to lack of sufficient evidence suggesting criminal intent.
The convict has since been handed over to the Ho Regional Prison authorities to begin serving his sentence.
Police Assure Continued Vigilance
In a statement signed by Chief Inspector Francis Kwaku Gomado, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Volta Regional Police Command, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to public safety.
