By Augustine Ehikioya
To unravel an alleged kidnap case, Police officials in Ghana have started investigation into the case in Mpohor, Western Region of the country.
One suspect, Stephen Kumi is in Police custody assisting in the investigations, while Paa Kwesi Simpson of Connect FM Takoradi, who published the story, is on Police enquiry bail.
This was contained in a statement by the Head, Public Affairs Unit, Western Region, Deputy Superintendent of Police Olivia Et Adiku, and obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Friday.
The statement said “The Takoradi Police Divisional Command is investigating an alleged case of kidnapping involving victim Stephanie Kumiwaa, 26 years, which was published on www.ghanaweb.com by Paa Kwesi Simpson of Connect FM, Takoradi.
“Checks at Mpohor Police District Command indicated that no such case had been reported there.
“Based on the publication the Police arrested the alleged boyfriend of the victim, Stephen Kumi, 33 years and Paa Kwesi Simpson of Connect FM, Takoradi, who published the story to assist the Police in the investigations.
“Suspect, Stephen Kumi informed the Police during interrogation that he met the victim on Facebook and they started dating.”
It added “On October 17, 2021 Stephanie called to inform him that she was visiting him but did not show up. However, on October 19, 2021 he received a call from a friend of Stephanie that someone called on Stephanie’s phone number that she had been kidnapped and the suspected kidnappers demanded ransom of GH¢2,000.00.
“Police escorted suspect Stephen Kumi to Mpohor and all efforts to locate the residence, family relations of Stephanie and Sandra for confirmation of the alleged incident proved futile.
“Currently, suspect Stephen Kumi is in custody assisting in investigations whilst. Paa Kwesi Simpson is on Police enquiry bail.”
The Western Regional Police Command, according to the statement, urged the media to always crosscheck all information from the Command for confirmation before publications.
The Police, it said, will continue to collaborate with the media to combat crime in the Region.