Labourer Sentenced to 24 Months Imprisonment for Stealing Neighbour’s Motorbike
An Accra Circuit Court has handed down a 24-month prison sentence to Thomas Agbeko, a labourer, for the theft of an unregistered Peugeot motorbike valued at GH¢20,000 from his neighbour. The Court, presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful, found Agbeko guilty on three counts—causing unlawful damage, unlawful entry, and stealing—after he pleaded guilty. The sentences will run concurrently, and in addition to the jail term, Agbeko has been ordered to pay GH¢20,000 in compensation to the complainant, Madam Betty Agyeman, by October 31, 2025.
Background of the Case
The incident dates back to August 2024 when Madam Agyeman, a trader at Kanda, hired Agbeko to assist in offloading secondhand goods from Italy into her warehouse. Agbeko, who was also tasked with weeding the premises, took advantage of the situation to push the motorbike with chassis number PJL000215J4892002 into the warehouse under the guise of safekeeping. However, on August 10, 2025, he revealed his intention to steal the bike to a friend and asked for assistance in hotwiring it. The friend refused and reported the matter to another individual, who also advised against it.
Despite the warnings, Madam Agyeman reported the motorbike missing on August 18, 2025, leading to Agbeko’s arrest. Initially denying involvement, he later confessed during police interrogation, implicating an accomplice named Solomon in the theft. He directed officers to Agbogbloshie-Zongo Junction, claiming he had attempted to sell the bike but refused to disclose the buyer’s identity.
Legal Proceedings
Following thorough investigations, Agbeko was charged and brought to trial. The Court has now ordered the release of the recovered motorbike to its rightful owner for safekeeping. This case highlights the judiciary’s dedication to upholding property rights, ensuring justice for victims of theft, and holding offenders accountable through both punitive and compensatory measures.
