Police Dismiss Viral Claim Of Unauthorised Vehicle Use
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has debunked a viral video alleging that a police officer unlawfully used a civilian’s vehicle for an arrest and got involved in an accident.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, April 28, the Ashanti South Regional Commander, DCOP Joseph Hammond Nyaaba, described the claim as false and misleading, stressing that no police officer was involved in the incident.
According to him, the issue dates back to April 8, 2026, when a case was reported to the Divisional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) at Ejisu involving an accident with a Toyota Echo, registration number AC-713-17. A separate complaint was also lodged regarding the theft of the same vehicle.
Police investigations led to the arrest of one Samuel Odiko, a security guard at the filling station where the car had been parked. He admitted to taking the vehicle without the owner’s consent and driving it with a friend, a community policing assistant.
On April 9, 2026, Odiko was arraigned before the Effiduase District Court on charges of dangerous driving, driving without a valid licence, and failure to report an accident. He pleaded guilty, was fined, and paid the fine.
He was subsequently charged with stealing and put before the Denyina Circuit Court on April 10, 2026. On April 15, 2026, he again pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
Police say the convict is currently serving his sentence at the Kumasi Central Prison, while the vehicle has been retrieved and returned to its rightful owner.
The Command emphasised that at no point was any police officer involved in the use of the vehicle, and assured the public of its commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Meanwhile, the police have reached out to the complainant to offer the necessary support.
The Command also commended officers for their dedication and thanked the public for their continued cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call emergency lines 191 or 18555.
The media was equally praised for its role in promoting public safety through information dissemination.
