A suspect, identified as 27-year-old Awudu Baba, was intercepted at a Kasoa-Bawjiase checkpoint on the night of September 19, 2026. Police found him carrying multiple mobile phones, prompting an unusual standoff. Upon realizing officers intended to take him into custody, Awudu Baba allegedly swallowed five SIM cards to destroy evidence. The suspect was carrying an iPhone 6, an iPhone 6 Plus, a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, and a Samsung A12.
According to DCOP Francis Nchor, the Central East Regional Police Commander, the SIM cards had already been removed from the phones before officers stopped Awudu Baba. The suspect's actions were an attempt to prevent investigators from linking the devices to their owners. The recovered phones were allegedly stolen from the Awutu Bawjiase area in the Central Region. Police investigations confirmed the origin of the stolen devices.
The Central East Regional Police Command has appealed to residents who have recently lost mobile phones to come forward and report their cases. The command urged victims to visit them to help identify and retrieve any property that may belong to them. This appeal is part of a broader effort to address the issue of stolen phones being stripped of their SIM cards and moved through resale networks.
The Kasoa incident highlights a challenge facing police across Ghana, as stolen phones are frequently resold across regional borders. Removing or destroying a SIM card eliminates the mobile number and account data tied to a phone's previous owner, making it harder for investigators to trace devices back to victims. This pattern of stolen devices being resold is a concern for phone owners nationwide.
For Ghanaian phone owners, the case serves as a reminder of how quickly a stolen device can be dismantled and resold. Prompt reporting to police, including serial numbers where available, can improve the chances of recovery. Victims in the Awutu Bawjiase area are being urged to check with the Central East Regional Police Command over the recovered handsets.
Police investigations into the source of the phones are ongoing, though officials have not given a timeline for when the case will be concluded. Awudu Baba's current custody status and any potential court date have not been made public. The Central East Regional Police Command is working to conclude the case and bring the suspect to justice.
The incident occurred on September 19, 2026, at a checkpoint on the Kasoa-Bawjiase Highway. Awudu Baba was found carrying five handsets, and upon realizing arrest was imminent, he swallowed the five SIM cards. The police have confirmed that the suspect's actions were an attempt to destroy evidence and avoid being linked to the stolen phones.
Key points
- The suspect, Awudu Baba, swallowed five SIM cards during arrest to avoid being linked to stolen phones allegedly from Awutu Bawjiase.
- The Central East Regional Police Command is appealing to victims to come forward and report their cases to identify and retrieve stolen property.
- The incident highlights the challenge of stolen phones being resold across regional borders, making it harder for investigators to trace devices back to victims.
