Nigerian national Maazi Okechuku Augustine has been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court in Ghana over his alleged role in a foiled bank robbery operation in Accra’s Labone area. He is expected back in court on Wednesday.
Augustine was arrested on August 13, 2026, after police said they stopped a planned attack on GCB Bank, Ecobank and Zenith Bank. Police said they received intelligence at 10:45 a.m. and spotted suspected gang members in vehicles near the banks.
One vehicle fled after the suspects saw officers, leading to a chase and Augustine’s arrest, while another occupant escaped. Occupants of a second vehicle allegedly opened fire while fleeing, resulting in a shootout that killed two suspects.
Police recovered a Toyota Highlander, registration GS-1434-18, a Hyundai Tucson, registration GS 7915-17, and a pistol.
However, GCB Bank denied that its Labone branch was targeted, saying, “GCB Bank wishes to clarify that no robbery or attempted robbery took place at our Labone Branch or on the Bank’s premises,” and that no person, money or property was affected.
SaharaReporters also found that the Toyota’s registration number had reportedly been listed as impounded in 2019, raising questions about the vehicle and police account.
The Nigerian High Commission intervened after Augustine’s arrest and the deaths. Its media coordinator, Destiny Austine Omon, questioned the location, weapon and vehicles.
“The environment where the robbery took place is one of the safest environments in Ghana. It is close to 37 Military Base, the Ghanian Presidency, police headquarters and cantonment,” Omon told SaharaReporters.
“It does not add up for armed robbers wanting to do that scale of attack to be arrested with only a pistol,” he said.
The President of All Nigerian Communities in Ghana also reportedly visited Ghana Police Headquarters for clarification.
Police maintain they foiled an attack on the three banks. Augustine remains in custody pending Wednesday’s court appearance.
