Operator remanded for allegedly siphoning aviation fuel

The Kwabenya Circuit Court has remanded into police custody Solomon Tetteh Codjoe for allegedly stealing aviation jet fuel.

Codjoe, a 37-year-old aviation operator, allegedly carried out the act with two other accomplices, Seth, and Enoch, who are still at large.

Codjoe and his accomplices have been charged with conspiracy and stealing the aviation fuel valued at GHC25,860, belonging to Blue Ocean Company Limited.

Codjoe, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is expected to reappear on September 16, 2024.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Theodora Akanwarisagi, said the complainant, Kojo Agyei Baah, is the security supervisor with Blue Ocean Company Limited located at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

The prosecution said Codjoe lives in Tema Community Two.

On September 4, 2024, at about 1410 hours, Baah, who was inspecting the Blue Ocean Company’s premises, noticed a white KIA Bongo truck with registration number GC 4329-20 parked in the yard.

The prosecution said that as Baah approached the vehicle, he noticed a hose attached to the hydraulic pipeline and company fuel being siphoned into containers in the KIA Bono truck.

The court heard that when the culprits saw Baah, they fled.

According to the prosecution, Baah immediately called his manager, Mr. Divine Dey, to alert him of the event, and he also summoned the police to the crime scene, where the truck and siphoned fuel were transported to the police station for further investigation.

Cudjoe was arrested on the same day and brought to the Police.

During investigations, Codjoe admitted the offence in his caution statement and mentioned Seth and Enoch as his accomplices.

The prosecution said the cost of the fuel was valued at GHC25,860.