An Accra Circuit Court has refused bail for Ahmed Mohammed Lawal, a painter accused of stealing copper cables valued at GH₵1,035,500 from the Bank of Ghana building under construction in Ridge, Accra. Lawal, who has denied charges of unlawful entry and stealing, will remain in custody as the case proceeds.

Lawal’s lawyer, Nii Martey Korley, argued for bail, stating that his client was not a flight risk, had a fixed residence in Accra Newtown, and had cooperated with police investigations. Korley also presented independent sureties willing to ensure Lawal’s court attendance. However, the presiding judge, Isaac Addo, denied the bail application, citing the need for Lawal to remain in custody.

The prosecution, led by ASP Augustin Kingsley Oppong, did not oppose bail but left the decision to the court. Investigations are nearing completion, and Lawal has refunded GH₵2,000 of the alleged proceeds from the stolen cables. However, the cables themselves have not been recovered.

The theft was discovered on February 16, 2025, when CCTV footage revealed Lawal and two accomplices breaking into the site’s Energy Farm, cutting the cables, and selling them. Lawal was arrested but has not helped police locate his accomplices or the buyer of the stolen goods.

The case has been adjourned to April 2, 2025, as Lawal remains in custody awaiting trial.