A 34-year-old commercial motorbike rider, popularly known as an “okada” operator, has been remanded into police custody by the Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court for allegedly abducting a 13-year-old girl in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region.
The accused, identified as Maharaj Suleman, appeared before the court presided over by Mr Jephthah Appau on Friday, August 8, 2025. His plea was not taken, and he is expected to reappear on August 15, 2025, to continue the proceedings.
According to the prosecution, led by Police Detective Chief Inspector Samuel Kyei Baffour, the complainant, who is the victim’s father, lives at Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South West District with his children. On March 14 this year, the complainant sent his 13-year-old daughter and her eight-year-old brother to gather leaves to feed their rabbits.
While on their way back home, the children reportedly met the accused riding a tricycle. The court heard that Suleman offered them a ride, but instead of taking them directly home, he allegedly dropped off the younger boy at Kunsu and proceeded to transport the girl to Mankranso.
Two days later, a witness spotted the missing girl at Nimfourkrom, near Mankranso. When the witness questioned her, she revealed that the accused had taken her there without her father’s consent. The witness immediately informed the complainant, who lodged a complaint with the Mankranso Police.
Suleman was subsequently arrested, and during interrogation, he allegedly admitted to the act in his caution statement. He was charged with abduction and brought before the court.
Police say investigations are still ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The case has generated concern among residents, with many calling for stricter measures to protect children from similar occurrences.
