The Eastern Regional Police Command of Ghana has apprehended a 57-year-old man, Nsiah Samuel, in connection with a series of shoplifting incidents captured on camera and shared on social media platforms. Samuel, who refers to himself as a chief and a minister of the gospel, was taken into custody on November 5 at a hideout in Akrade, near Somanya. The arrest was a collaborative effort between the Somanya District Police Command and the Borteyman Police in Greater Accra.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that Samuel admitted to stealing a variety of items, including consumable goods, electronic devices, clothing, and other retail merchandise, from multiple outlets across southern Ghana. The alleged thefts occurred in several towns, including Kibi, Suhum, Koforidua, and Akosombo in the Eastern Region, as well as Accra Central, Tema, Ashaiman, and Adenta in the Greater Accra Region.
The police were alerted to the situation after closed-circuit television clips showing Samuel taking items from shops circulated widely online, prompting public calls for action. The Ghana Police Service expressed gratitude to shop owners and members of the public whose vigilance and sharing of video evidence on social media helped track down the suspect.
Nsiah Samuel, a resident of Akrade in the Asuogyaman District, was described by the police as a self-styled chief and minister of the gospel. His arrest brings to an end a period of heightened concern among shop owners and the general public following the viral spread of the shoplifting videos on platforms like TikTok.
The Eastern Regional Police Command has transferred Samuel into the custody of the Borteyman Police in Accra to assist with ongoing investigations. He is expected to be put before court in the coming days. However, the police have not disclosed the total value of the items allegedly stolen or the exact date for his arraignment.
The case highlights the role of social media in crime detection and prevention. The police acknowledged the significance of video evidence shared by the public, which played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect. This incident underscores the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the community in addressing and resolving criminal activities.
As investigations continue, the Ghana Police Service has assured the public of its commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety. The arrest of Nsiah Samuel demonstrates the police's proactive approach to addressing concerns raised by the public, particularly in cases that gain widespread attention on social media platforms.
Key points
- Nsiah Samuel, a 57-year-old self-styled chief and pastor, was arrested for shoplifting in multiple locations across southern Ghana.
- The suspect admitted to stealing various items, including goods, electronics, and clothing, from outlets in several towns.
- The arrest was facilitated by video evidence shared on social media platforms, highlighting the role of public vigilance in crime detection.
