The police have arrested two suspected armed robbers and shot dead another on Thursday (13 October) at Asuofua Asamang in the Ashanti Region.

The deceased, who was identified as Issaka Muniru was shot when he attempted to fire at the police in the operation. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival. “The two are currently in police custody and will be put before the court to face justice,” an official statement said.

The police retrieved a pistol, allegedly used to fire at the officers, and 13 rounds of live ammunition.

The deceased, Issaka Muniru, and his robbery syndicate have been involved in a series of robberies within the Kumasi metropolis and its environs for years, the police said.

Brush with the law

Before his demise, Issaka Muniru was standing trial with three other accomplices Ernest Agyei Badu alias gangster, Rider, and MBY at the Nkawie Circuit Court for robbing one Pastor Emmanuel Barfour Awuah of Abuakwa Abakomadi at gunpoint on 26 May 2021 and making away with his two gold wrist watches, mobile phones and an unspecified amount of money.

Police say the court granted the deceased bail but he jumped the bail and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. His accomplices are still attending a trial at the court.

“In another robbery where Issaka Muniru, now deceased, was named as the gang leader, three other members of his gang, Charles Kojo Fosu, Yaw Anim, and Paul Osafo were arrested by the police but he managed to escape. The three suspects have since been remanded into prison custody,” said the statement.

However, the statement commended the Ashanti regional police command, particularly, the personnel of the regional intelligence and operations teams who conducted the operation.

“We would like to assure the public that we will continue to carry out our constitutional mandate of protecting life and property and maintaining law and order even at the peril of our lives,” the statement added.