A suspected member of a notorious robbery gang operating along the Atebubu–Yeji highway, identified as Mahamadu Gariba Kirror, has died after sustaining gunshot injuries during a police operation aimed at apprehending his accomplices.
Police sources say the suspect was arrested on January 31, 2026, at around 10:30 a.m. following an intelligence-led operation. A search at the time of arrest reportedly led to the recovery of several items, including a locally manufactured pistol, two live BB cartridges, a Samsung Galaxy A07 mobile phone, two keypad phones, and a talisman.
Investigations revealed that the Samsung Galaxy A07 belonged to Nafisa Owusu Haruna, a Yeji resident who was among several commuters attacked by an armed robbery gang on the Atebubu–Yeji highway on January 29, 2026, at around 10:15 p.m. During the attack, the mini-van carrying passengers, registration number AS-6444-14, came under fire. The driver and Nafisa Owusu Haruna were shot and killed by the assailants.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he and his accomplices shot and killed the driver and robbed the passengers. He named Umaru, Issifu, Furgur, Ibrahim, Shaibu, and Yelow as other members of the gang.
On February 1, 2026, at about 7:45 p.m., Kirror reportedly led police to a nearby bush in Atebubu Municipality, where his accomplices were believed to be hiding. However, as officers approached, he allegedly attempted to flee into the forest. Police fired shots to restrain him, resulting in gunshot injuries. He was rushed to Atebubu Government Hospital but was pronounced dead by the medical officer on duty. His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A07 has been confirmed by Nadia Haruna, a Yeji resident, as her phone, which was stolen during the January 29 robbery.
