The Ho Circuit Court sentenced 25-year-old Paul Avortide to 19 years’ imprisonment with hard labor for robbing a pregnant woman at knifepoint.
Presiding Judge Osman Abdul Hakeem delivered the verdict on July 1, 2025, following Avortide’s guilty plea under Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act (Act 29).
According to Volta Regional Police, Avortide attacked Ogechi Chidiebere with a machete around 4:00 a.m. on May 21, 2025, near New Housing in Ho. The victim was en route to Ho Municipal Hospital for antenatal care when robbed of GH¢3,000 and a Tecno Spark 30c phone valued at GH¢2,500.
Police investigations led to the June 19 arrest of accomplice Harmony Nbonu at Ho Main Market after he was found with the stolen phone. Nbonu confessed to purchasing the device from Avortide for GH¢850. Coordinated operations subsequently apprehended Avortide in Ho’s Matse suburb.
While Nbonu was acquitted of dishonestly receiving charges under Section 146 of Act 29, Avortide commenced his sentence at Ho Regional Prison following conviction.
