Police, on Monday, managed to contain a riotous mob which attacked the Tamale District Court, and in the process snatched away a sidearm of a policeman.
At least four policemen and three civilians, including a female, sustained various degrees of injuries.
Information obtained from the Northern Regional capital by The Chronicle revealed that the incident occurred when a suspected drug peddler, whose arrest was by a watch dog group in collaboration with police, was arraigned before the court.
He was alleged to have pleaded not guilty when he appeared earlier in court.
When he reappeared on Monday, it was reported that some people, allegedly went on air on two televisions and a radio station to incite the public to attack the court, because the judge was going to set the suspect free.
Immediately, a large crowd blocked the street in front of the court, burning lorry tyres to impede police movement to secure the place.
Some members of the group, wielding offensive weapons, advanced into the court compelling the judge, Mr. Amadu Issifu, and also the lawyers present, to flee.
In the melee, a policeman’s pistol was snatched and taken to an unknown destination.
The hooligans resorted to destroying the roofing and louvre blades of the court.
Police reinforcements, backed by water canons of the Formed Police Unit, managed to rescue the judge and staff of the Judicial Service.
So far, eighteen suspects have been picked up.
