ACCRA: A military officer and four accomplices have been remanded in custody by an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the robbery and kidnapping of a Dutch national. The accused, WOI Elorm John Ahiakpor, along with Silas Amewonye, a 25-year-old farmer; Farouk Nuodio, a 32-year-old trader; Daniel Kwesi Obiri Yeboah, a 49-year-old trader; and Michael Nana Addo, a 25-year-old carpenter, face charges related to conspiracy, robbery, and kidnapping. They have pleaded not guilty before the court, which is presided over by Mr. Samuel Bright Acquah. According to Ghana News Agency, the defense lawyers, Andy Vortia and Carlos De-Souza, submitted a bail application on behalf of the accused. Mr. Vortia, representing the military officer, argued that the accusations were bailable and that there was no evidence of prior misconduct by the defendants. He emphasized the need for a fair hearing, suggesting that the charges should not be solely based on police claims. Mr. De-Souza noted Ahiakpor's unblemished 24-year military service record, arguing that remanding him could jeopardize his career. However, the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kofi Anane, opposed the bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and ongoing investigations. The court has adjourned the case to October 29, 2024, with the complainant identified as Lodewijk Frederikus, a Dutch national. The prosecution recounted that Frederikus arrived in Ghana on October 17, 2024, to discuss a land acquisition with Amewonye, a friend, in Ningo Prampram. Frederikus was taken by Amewonye and Nuodio to Alexis Lodge at Afienya and later to Amewonye's residence. On October 20, 2024, Frederikus became alarmed by their suspicious behavior and expressed his intention to return to the Netherlands. In response, Amewonye allegedly locked him in a room and, with the help of the other accused, kidnapped him, demanding a ransom. The prosecution detailed that Frederikus negotiated with the accused to lower the ransom demand from 15,000 Euro s to 8,000 Euros. Nuodio provided bank details for the transfer. As Frederikus delayed payment, the accused, excluding Amewonye, allegedly forced him at gunpoint to withdraw money from an ATM. During this ordeal, Frederikus managed to contact the police, leading to his rescue and the arrest of the accused, who reportedly confessed during interrogation.