In a swift display of justice, the Ho Circuit Court has sentenced three armed robbers to a combined 19 years in prison after they conspired to rob a young man in Ho, Volta Region.
Presided over by His Honor Osman Abdul-Hakeem on May 9, 2025, the court convicted the trio—Mercy Sokpe (22), Atsu Kamasa (25), and Godfred Dzidonu (19)—on counts of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery itself.
The Selfie Robbery Plot
The robbery, which took place on May 4, 2025, unfolded around 4:30 p.m. at Ho’s bustling central market. The victim, Elijah Torgbedzi, aged 21, was approached by Mercy Sokpe, who requested to borrow his iPhone 6s to take a selfie. Unaware of her true intentions, the complainant agreed.
In a sinister twist, as she pretended to take the photo, Mercy signaled her two accomplices, Atsu Kamasa and Godfred Dzidonu, who pounced on the victim armed with scissors. The trio fled the scene with the stolen phone, valued at 700 Ghana cedis.
Swift Arrest and Court Conviction
However, their escape was short-lived. An alarm raised by the victim led to the immediate arrest of Godfred Dzidonu, who was caught with the stolen phone. Further police investigations quickly tracked down Mercy Sokpe and Atsu Kamasa in their Ho hideouts.
On May 9, 2025, the robbers were arraigned and pleaded guilty to the charges. Mercy Sokpe was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to commit robbery. Both Atsu Kamasa and Godfred Dzidonu received additional five-year sentences each for the actual robbery offense.
Police Warn Public to Stay Alert
Following the sentencing, the Ghana Police Service in the Volta Region issued a caution to the public. DSP Felix Danku, who signed the statement, advised citizens to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when approached by strangers under the guise of requesting help.
“The Police would like to advise the public to be alert, vigilant and cautious of persons who may approach them for help,” DSP Danku stressed.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the evolving tactics employed by robbers, turning seemingly innocent requests—like taking a selfie—into dangerous setups.