Eastern Regional Police: Bube Gariba Akateng Highway Robbery Suspect Arrested

• Bube Gariba was arrested on September 1, 2026, in Akateng, Eastern Region, as a suspect in a series of highway robberies on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
• Gariba allegedly confessed to participating in three robberies near Anyinam and receiving GH₵7,200 in proceeds.
• He named Mohammadu, Ali, Abdulai as accomplices and Osmanu of Accra as the alleged gang leader who supplied two pump-action guns.
• Mohammadu's wife, Karia Hawa Isha, 22, was arrested for allegedly obstructing police during her husband's attempted arrest.
• A manhunt is underway for Mohammadu, Osmanu, and other syndicate members, while nine additional individuals are being screened for involvement.

The apprehension of Gariba took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Akateng, an area situated near Asesewa in Ghana's Eastern Region.

An intelligence-led operation by the Eastern Regional Police Command, in conjunction with the Eastern South Regional Command, has resulted in the arrest of a suspected notorious armed robber, Bube Gariba. He is believed to be a member of a gang implicated in numerous highway robbery incidents along the critical Accra-Kumasi Highway. The apprehension of Gariba took place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Akateng, an area situated near Asesewa in Ghana's Eastern Region.

The arrest forms part of an intensified crackdown by the Regional Police Intelligence Department (PID) targeting a criminal syndicate suspected of orchestrating five recent highway robbery attacks. These violent incidents specifically targeted commuters and occurred at various locations within the Eastern Region, including Kwafokrom, Anoff Nsawam-Adeiso, Apedwa, Adasawase-Ankaase, and Enyiresi. The operation underscores a concerted effort by law enforcement to enhance security on major transport routes.

Following his detention, preliminary investigations and interrogation of Bube Gariba revealed his alleged direct involvement in three of the reported robbery operations, specifically those near Anyinam. Gariba reportedly admitted to receiving GH₵5,700 and GH₵1,500 as his share of the proceeds from these criminal activities, providing crucial insights into the gang's financial structure and operational methods.

During his interrogation, Bube Gariba provided investigators with the names of three alleged accomplices: Mohammadu, Ali, and Abdulai. He further identified Osmanu, a resident of Accra, as the alleged leader of the criminal gang. According to Gariba's statements, Osmanu was responsible for supplying the two pump-action guns purportedly used by the syndicate to terrorize passengers during their robbery sprees.

The police operation also encountered an incident involving one of the named accomplices, Mohammadu. He reportedly managed to evade capture after being alerted by his wife, Karia Hawa Isha. The 22-year-old wife allegedly obstructed police officers from apprehending Mohammadu at the scene. Consequently, Karia Hawa Isha was arrested and is currently assisting law enforcement with their ongoing investigations into the matter.

In addition to these key arrests, nine other individuals were detained at the location where Gariba was apprehended. These individuals are presently undergoing screening by the police to ascertain their level of involvement, if any, in the alleged robbery incidents. All suspects currently in custody are cooperating with the continuing investigations, as authorities work to dismantle the entire criminal network.

The Ghana Police Service has affirmed its unwavering commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring peace and security across the nation's major highways and communities. This recent operation, culminating in the Bube Gariba Akateng highway robbery arrest, is a testament to these efforts, particularly in addressing the persistent threat of highway banditry.

Authorities have initiated a comprehensive manhunt for the escaped suspect, Mohammadu, as well as the alleged gang leader, Osmanu, and any other members of the syndicate who remain at large. The Eastern Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, through a press release signed by its Acting Head, Chief Inspector Bridget Opoku, has urged members of the public to provide any information they may have regarding criminal activities. Such information can be crucial in assisting the Eastern Regional Police Command in its fight against crime and in bringing all perpetrators to justice.

Criminal defense lawyers in Ghana should be aware of the ongoing police crackdown on highway robbery and the specific charges being pursued, including obstruction of justice against alleged accomplices, as this indicates heightened enforcement and potential legal precedents in related cases. Compliance officers for transport companies operating on the Accra-Kumasi Highway should note the continued security risks and police efforts.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times