An Accra Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Arafat Al-Alhassan after he failed to appear in court on three occasions in connection with a stolen Hyundai Elantra worth GHC150,000.
Al-Alhassan, a mobile phone dealer, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and possession of stolen property. His alleged accomplice, identified as Kula, remains at large.
Despite objections from the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Amoah, Al-Alhassan was granted bail after pleading not guilty in the presence of his lawyer. The court instructed the prosecution to provide him and his legal team with relevant disclosures.
Following the submission of witness statements and evidence, Al-Alhassan failed to appear in court on three separate occasions. The prosecution has since filed a motion to enforce forfeiture of recognizance on his sureties, pushing them to ensure his appearance before the court.
Investigations reveal that the complainant, Frank Ayim, is the father of Solomon Darfour, the owner of the stolen Hyundai Elantra. Both reside in Ablekuma-Amrahia, while Al-Alhassan operates in Circle, Accra. His alleged accomplice, Kula, remains in hiding.
The incident traces back to November 22, 2024, when Ayim parked the vehicle at De Ace Court Hotel in Oduman, near Accra. By morning, the car was missing, prompting a report to the police.
On December 3, 2024, police intelligence led authorities to a welding shop in Walantu, Kasoa, where the stolen vehicle was found. The shop owner, Christopher Gyamfi, revealed during his arrest that Al-Alhassan had brought the car in for a color change—from white to dark grey—for GHC3,000.
Under police surveillance, the vehicle remained in place until December 4, 2024, when Al-Alhassan and another individual arrived to retrieve it. Upon spotting law enforcement, he fled in his car.
A high-speed chase ensued, ending when Al-Alhassan crashed into a ditch, abandoned his vehicle, and escaped on foot. He was later found in an uncompleted building by motor riders, who handed him over to the police.
During interrogation, Al-Alhassan led authorities to the stolen Hyundai Elantra and another suspected stolen vehicle. He further identified Kula as the source of the stolen cars.
“Efforts are being made to arrest the second accused person and other accomplices named by Al-Alhassan,” the prosecution stated.
