13-year-old girl allegedly abducted by okada rider, suspect remanded

An okada rider accused of abducting a 13-year-old girl in the Ashanti Region has been remanded into police custody by the Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court. The suspect, 34-year-old Maharaj Suleman, is being held while police continue investigations into the case.

The incident, which took place in March, came to light after the girl was found two days after being reported missing. Suleman's plea was not taken during the court session, presided over by Judge Jephthah Appau. He is expected to reappear on August 15, 2025.

According to Police Detective Chief Inspector Samuel Kyei Baffour, who presented the facts, the victim’s father who lives with his children in Kunsu, Ahafo Ano South West District had sent the girl and her eight-year-old brother to collect rabbit feed on March 14. On their return, they reportedly encountered Suleman, who was riding a tricycle.

“On March 14, the complainant sent his 13-year-old daughter and her eight-year-old brother to gather leaves for feeding rabbits. On their way back, they encountered the accused riding a tricycle,” the detective told the court.

The prosecutor explained that Suleman picked up both children. He later dropped the younger boy off at Kunsu but continued on with the girl to Mankranso, a separate community in the region.

Two days later, a resident in Nimfourkrom near Mankranso noticed the girl and questioned her. She revealed that “the accused had taken her there.” The concerned resident informed the girl’s father, who filed a report with police at Mankranso, prompting Suleman’s arrest.

During police interrogation, Suleman admitted in his caution statement that he was responsible for taking the girl, the court was told. He has since been charged and brought before the court.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing as the case proceeds.