An armed robbery case that shook the community of Ho has come to a resolute conclusion, as the Volta Regional Police Command announced the successful conviction of 25-year-old Paul Avortide, also known by his alias Tinted.
The conviction was secured on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking another significant milestone in the region’s ongoing battle against violent crime.
In a statement issued by the Command, police officials recounted the harrowing details of the crime. On the early morning of May 21, 2025, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Avortide confronted a pregnant woman at Tsikpota, near New Housing in Ho.
The victim, identified as Ogechi Chidiebere, a Nigerian national residing in the area, was en route to the Ho Municipal Hospital for antenatal care when the incident occurred.
“The convict, Paul Avortide, robbed the victim of her Three Thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh¢ 3,000.00) and her Tecno Spark 30c mobile phone valued at Two Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (Gh¢ 2500.00)…”
Volta Regional Police Command
Avortide is said to have wielded a machete while threatening Chidiebere, leaving her deeply shaken after being robbed, especially given her vulnerable condition as a pregnant woman.
The investigation that followed was swift and strategic. On June 19, 2025, nearly a month after the crime, the Regional Police Intelligence Team apprehended 23-year-old Harmony Nbonu, known on the streets as Arab Money, at the Ho Main Market.
Nbonu was found in possession of the stolen mobile phone, which he claimed to have purchased for GH¢850.00.
Police stated that under interrogation, Nbonu disclosed that he had acquired the phone from Avortide.
This critical lead enabled officers to track and arrest the primary suspect. In a coordinated operation between the police and Nbonu, Avortide was arrested in Matse, a suburb of Ho, where he was reportedly attempting to flee the township.
Ho Court Arraigns Robbery Suspects After Probe
Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged and arraigned before the Ho Circuit Court, presided over by His Honour Osman Abdul Hakeem, Esq.
Avortide faced a charge of “Robbery Contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)“, as amended by the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646).
Nbonu, meanwhile, was charged with Dishonestly Receiving, contrary to “Section 146 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)“. Both defendants appeared in court on July 1, 2025.
During the proceedings, Avortide pleaded guilty to the robbery charge. Based on his own plea, the court convicted him and handed down a sentence of “nineteen years in hard labour (I.H.L)“.
Nbonu, the second accused, was acquitted and discharged, as the court found insufficient evidence to convict him on the charge of dishonestly receiving stolen property.
“The convict, Paul Avortide @ Tinted, has since been handed over to the Ho Regional Prison authorities to begin to serve his prison term. The Command remains resolute in its efforts to track down and bring to justice all individuals who pose a threat to peace and security in the Region.”
Volta Regional Police Command
The Volta Regional Police Command emphasized that this case underscores the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.
According to the statement, the conviction demonstrates the importance of community cooperation and swift police response in fighting armed robbery and related crimes.
The police further urged the public to continue sharing credible information that could assist in arresting criminals and maintaining law and order.
The case has reignited conversations about public safety, particularly concerning the vulnerability of women and expectant mothers.
As the region grapples with occasional spikes in violent crime, this conviction serves as both a deterrent and a reassurance that justice can be served when institutions function effectively and communities remain alert.
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