An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Richard Yevugah, a businessman, to eight years in prison for stealing 277 cartons of empty bottles valued at GH¢
An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Richard Yevugah, a businessman, to eight years in prison for stealing 277 cartons of empty bottles valued at GH¢336,327, meant for packaging moringa snuff.
Yevugah, who was charged with stealing, pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty after trial by the court presided over by Susana Eduful.
According to the prosecution, led by Ebenezer Teye Okuffo, the complainant, Abdul Mumuni Ahmed, is a herbalist who produces moringa snuff as part of his herbal medicine. Yevugah, who lived with him at Nima in Accra, was employed to assist in the production process.
The complainant purchased 419 cartons of empty bottles with covers worth GH¢336,327, of which 277 cartons were delivered and stored in two rented rooms at Nima. A spare key to the rooms was given to Yevugah for safekeeping.
A few days later, while the complainant was unwell and unable to continue production, Yevugah allegedly arranged a vehicle, loaded all 277 cartons, and transported them away.
Upon being alerted by a witness, Suraji Alhassan Ahmed, the complainant confronted Yevugah and reported the matter to the Nima Police.
During investigations, Yevugah admitted taking 100 boxes of bottles, claiming he used them to produce his own snuff and exported them to Nigeria, allegedly with the complainant’s consent.
The court, however, found his explanation unconvincing and convicted him, sentencing him to eight years imprisonment for the offense.