Ten men, including a 17-year-old, have been arraigned before Circuit Court 3, presided over by Justice Evelyn Asamoah, for possession of firearms without lawful authority and preparation to commit a violent crime, following a security operation in Bawku’s Zaabu Zongo area.
The accused, aged between 17 and 37, were arrested on August 5, 2025, during a cordon and search operation by the Joint Peace Enforcement team. They were brought before the court on Thursday, August 7, 2025 where all except one were present.
All accused persons present pleaded not guilty, including Rauf Naziru, a 19-year-old Blacksmith, who admitted the items were found in his room, but claimed they were not firearms.
Naziru stated the 15 M16 empty shells, 7 AK47 empty shells and 9 G3 empty shells found in his possession were tools he used to make rings and scrapers.
The others, who were remanded, include Rauf Naziru (A1), Issaka Tijani, 34, Abdulai Sumaila Gatuso, 17 and a carpenter, Muniru Abubakarm Naro, 21 and Issaka Yakubu, 19, Sulemana Abdul Basit Ayede, 37, Bukari Salifu Monaaba, 34, Yakim Ibrahim, 35 and Adam Hanisu Hanif, 34.
Prosecutor ASP Issah Achibari informed the court that investigations were ongoing and requested that the accused remain in custody.
The court, granting the request, directed the prosecution to serve all disclosures to the accused persons and adjourned proceedings to August 21, 2025.
Details of the charges are:
- Possession of firearms without lawful authority, contrary to the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1972 (NRCD 9), as amended.
- Preparation to commit a crime, specifically offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace, under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Brief Facts of the Case
According to police reports, a joint military-police operation on August 5 uncovered ammunition in the possession of Naziru and Tijani. Both failed to provide lawful justification for their possession.
The other accused were arrested during curfew hours in the same vicinity, allegedly assembling without any clear purpose during restricted hours. Their arrests were carried out under the command of Captain D.Z. Mahama.
The accused and the recovered exhibits were handed over to the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit on August 6. All accused were subsequently cautioned and detained.
