A 33-year-old suspected burglar, Ibrahim Mutawakilu, has been arrested by the New Juaben South Municipal Police Command in the Eastern Region after becoming trapped in the reinforced concrete ceiling of a bank in Koforidua.
Police say Mutawakilu, believed to be responsible for a series of shop break-ins within the municipality, was discovered hiding in the ceiling of a rural bank during a routine patrol on Monday morning.
According to the police, the suspect arrived in Koforidua on December 17, 2025, and spent about eleven days conducting surveillance on potential targets. During this period, he reportedly identified ten shops along Legend Hall Street in the Adwenpa Curtain area, including a rural bank and a forex bureau.
Investigations revealed that Mutawakilu’s modus operandi involved climbing buildings at night, removing sections of roofing sheets, and gaining access through the ceiling. He allegedly planned a three-day operation, taking advantage of the weekend when shop owners had closed for business.
The plan was to access the ceilings on Saturday night, December 27, break into the shops on Sunday, December 28, and exit in the early hours of Monday, December 29, before business owners returned.
However, police said the plan failed when the suspect became stranded around 3:00 a.m. on Monday after noticing police officers on foot patrol in the area. Unable to escape, he remained hidden in the ceiling, where he was later found and arrested.
The suspect is currently in police custody and assisting with investigations.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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