The Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Mary M.E. Yanzah, has remanded six individuals alleged to have engaged in electoral crimes during the December 7, 2024, General Elections at Nyankpala, Northern Region.
The accused—Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila, Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issah, and Kamara Fode Issiaga—face multiple charges, including participating in vigilante activities, conspiracy to commit undue influence, and causing harm.
The Latif Abdulai alias COPSHIE is reported to be on the run.
Before remanding the accused into police custody, Justice Yanzah noted the circumstances of their arrest and their residences.
She advised their legal counsel, led by John Dzeha and Bashiru Zakaria, to formally apply for bail if they sought the court’s discretion.
The court adjourned the case to January 8, 2025, for the accused to enter pleas.
Court’s Decision on Remand
Justice Yanzah emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation, citing the grave nature of the alleged offenses.
“The accused persons ought to be remanded for investigations to be conducted,” she ruled, adding that a formal bail application could be filed to allow the court to consider the matter officially.
Charges and Allegations
The charges against the accused include:
Count One: Participating in vigilante group activities, contrary to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).
Count Two: Conspiracy to commit undue influence, in violation of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Representation of the People Law, 1992 (PNDCL 284).
Count Three: Direct use of force to deter voters during elections.
Count Four: Conspiracy to cause harm by shooting two victims, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu.
Count Five: Causing harm by shooting Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu.
Incident Details
The prosecution alleges that on election day, an armed group of men, believed to be sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party, opened fire at a National Democratic Congress (NDC) pavilion in Nyankpala, killing one person and injuring two others.
The victims, Sayibu Haruna, Abdul Aziz Mohammed, and Issahaku Sayibu, were rushed to the Tamale Teaching Hospital, where Haruna was pronounced dead.
The accused were apprehended on the same day. Police found firearms, including a Taurus pistol with live ammunition, in the vehicle of the first accused, Alhassan Abukari, a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, Hon. Fuseini Salifu Issifu.
Ongoing Investigations
The police are continuing investigations to determine the full extent of the accused’s involvement in the incident.
According to preliminary findings, the accused allegedly conspired and armed themselves with rifles and pistols, firing indiscriminately to intimidate voters.
The court’s decision to remand the accused has been welcomed by some as a necessary step to ensure justice, while others await the trial with anticipation.
The case will resume on January 8, 2025, as the court seeks to uphold the rule of law in Ghana’s electoral process.
