Illegal miner jailed 20 years for stabbing okada rider to death, stealing motorbike
The convict, Jacob Dari—popularly known as “Jaybad”—pleaded guilty to robbery before the court presided over by Judge Hathia Ama.
A 24-year-old illegal miner has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour by the Tarkwa Circuit Court after admitting to fatally stabbing a commercial motorbike rider and making off with his motorbike.
The convict, Jacob Dari—popularly known as “Jaybad”—pleaded guilty to robbery before the court presided over by Judge Hathia Ama. He was handed the sentence following a detailed account of the crime delivered by Detective Chief Inspector Adams Mumuni.
The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, in the Wassa Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region. According to the prosecution, Dari, a resident of Patase near Samreboi, had travelled to Samreboi to attend the May Day celebrations and remained in town for a few days.
On the evening of the incident, Dari contacted 18-year-old Justice Awiah, an Okada rider and friend, to transport him from Patakro to Patase for a fee of GH¢200. Awiah arrived around 6:30 p.m. with an unregistered Haojin motorbike valued at GH¢16,000, and the two set off.
However, at approximately 9:00 p.m., while riding through Amoaku near Samreboi, Dari stabbed Awiah in the rib area with a pair of scissors. The attack caused them both to fall off the moving motorbike. Dari then left the injured rider on the ground and fled the scene with the stolen bike.
The injured Awiah attempted to walk toward Amoaku for help but collapsed and died about 200 meters from the scene.
The following morning, community members in Ohiampenika, upon hearing of the crime, apprehended Dari and escorted him to Patase, where the motorbike was recovered. A mob attempted to lynch him, but swift police intervention ensured he was safely taken into custody at the Samreboi police station.
During investigations, Dari admitted in his caution statement that he killed Awiah and took the motorbike.
While the court has sentenced him for robbery, the prosecution noted that a separate docket on the murder charge will be submitted to the Attorney General’s office for further review and legal action.
