Attempted robbery: Accused claims he carried cutlass for protection

A 21-year-old commercial motorcycle rider, Hope Nunekpeku, accused of attempted robbery, has told the Amasaman Circuit Court that he carried a cutlass whilst working to protect himself. 

 
He explained that he had been a victim of motorbike theft in the past, which led him to arm himself for self-defence.

  
Nunekpeku denied that he had any criminal intentions when he carried the cutlass.

 
He made these statements during cross-examination in a case presided over by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau. 

Nunekpeku is facing trial for attempted robbery after being arrested with a cutlass hidden in his shirt while riding a motorcycle with an alleged accomplice, Dickson, who is currently on the run.

  
Their plan was thwarted when a vigilant commercial bus driver alerted a police patrol team, resulting in Nunekpeku’s arrest, while Dickson escaped with the motorcycle.

 
During the cross-examination, Nunekpeku asked one of the arresting officers, General Lance Corporal Samuel Boafo, whether he had used the cutlass to commit a crime, to which the officer replied in the negative.

  
He also asked if he had informed the police at the time of his arrest that he was carrying a cutlass for protection, but the officer denied this, stating that the cutlass was discovered only after a search.

 
Nunekpeku also questioned Police Detective Chief Inspector Enock K. Agorkpa, another prosecution witness, about his claim that the cutlass was meant for self-defence.

  
The witness, however, stated that Nunekpeku had an ulterior motive for carrying it.

  
When asked if he used the cutlass to commit a crime or harm anyone, the witness confirmed that Nunekpeku had attempted to do so.

 
The court ruled that a prima facie case had been established against Nunekpeku, and he was instructed to present his defence.

 
The incident occurred on December 4, 2023, around 2100 hours, when Nunekpeku and Dickson reportedly monitored a commercial bus driver who was waiting to deliver items to his wife. 
When the driver confronted them, Dickson fled into a dark area.

  
Alarmed, the driver contacted the police, who swiftly responded, arresting Nunekpeku while Dickson escaped with the motorcycle.