TRADER HELD OVER THEFT (D/G Monday September 29, 2008. PAGE 47)

A trader, Muntari Abdulai, who allegedly sedated his colleague and stole his money, kola nuts and mobile phone, has been arrested by the police in Bolgatanga.
Abdulai is alleged to have laced a fizzy drink with a sedative and offered it to a co-passenger, Ibrahim Haruna, also a trader, in the bus on which they were travelling.
The Upper East Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Ebenezer Tetteh, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic, said on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 the two boarded a Metro Mass Transit bus from Kumasi to Bolgatanga.
He said on reaching Kintampo, the suspect allegedly bought a drink which he later laced with a sedative and offered it to Haruna, who drank it and subsequently fell into deep sleep.
The PRO said about 8.00 a.m. the next day, Haruna woke up and found himself in a hotel (name undisclosed) in Bolgatanga.
Inspector Tetteh said Haruna later realised that his LG mobile phone, 10 bags of kola nuts, 100,000 CFA, and GH¢16 had been stolen and so he quickly reported the matter to the Bolgatanga Police.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Abdulai in Tamale.
He said after investigations, the suspect was charged with stealing and arraigned.
Abdulai is currently on police remand and will appear again before the court on September 27, 2008.