Court adjourns Labone robbery case as prosecution prepares supplementary statements

The trial of Augustine Okechuku Maazi, the primary suspect in the Labone robbery case, has been postponed to October 22, 2026. The prosecution informed the Accra Circuit Court that supplementary witness statements would be filed, causing delays in the proceedings. The case management conference scheduled for Tuesday was disrupted due to difficulties in serving the defense with necessary documents.

The defense requested bail for Mr. Maazi, citing the extensive time he has spent in custody, but the court declined to grant oral bail and instructed the defense to file a formal application at the subsequent hearing. The charges against Mr. Maazi include conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery, and robbery, totaling eight counts.

He has maintained his not guilty plea. The investigation commenced following a police operation on August 13, 2026, which targeted banks in Accra's Labone area, including GCB Bank, Ecobank, and Zenith Bank. Suspected accomplices included Mr. Maazi, who was arrested, and two others killed during an exchange of gunfire with police.

Prosecutors claim that Mr. Maazi and five other suspects were involved in a series of robberies in Tema, Spintex, and Labone between May and August 13, 2026. These alleged crimes allegedly extended across Ghana's borders, with suspects potentially hiding in Togo and Côte d'Ivoire. The defense is anticipated to present its formal bail application when the case reconvenes on October 22.