A Circuit Court in Ghana has remanded Okechukwu Augustine, a Nigerian, over his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to rob three banks in the Labone area of Accra.
Augustine was remanded on Monday and is expected to return to court on Wednesday as investigations continue.
According to the Ghana Police Service, intelligence was received at about 10:45am on August 13 that a gang was preparing to attack branches of GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank in Labone.
Police said officers were deployed to the area and allegedly spotted suspected members of the group in two vehicles parked near the banks.
One vehicle reportedly sped away after its occupants noticed the police. Officers pursued the vehicle and arrested Augustine Okechuku Maazi, while another occupant escaped.
Police said occupants of the second vehicle also attempted to flee, leading to a gun battle in which two suspects were killed.
The police said two vehicles, a Toyota Highlander with registration number GS-1434-18 and a Hyundai Tucson with registration number GS-7915-17, as well as a blow pistol, were recovered.
The bodies of the two deceased suspects were deposited at a morgue for preservation, identification and autopsy, according to the police.
However, GCB Bank subsequently disputed part of the police account, stating that no robbery or attempted robbery occurred at its Labone branch or on its premises.
The bank said its branch was not breached and that no customer, staff member, funds or property was affected.
The development leaves the alleged robbery plot under investigation as Augustine remains in custody pending further proceedings.
