Six individuals accused for their involvement in electoral violence at Nyankpala in the Northern Region have been granted bail by an Accra High Court.
The violence, which occurred during the December 7 general elections, resulted in the death of Sayibu Haruna and left two others, Abdul Aziz Mohammed and Issahaku Sayibu, critically injured.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Forson Baah Agyapong set bail conditions at GH¢50,000 with two sureties for each accused person.
Additionally, the court ordered the accused to report weekly to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra or Tamale, depending on their places of residence.
Health Concerns Prompt Bail Decision
The bail ruling followed a petition submitted by the legal counsel for the accused to Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, seeking an abridgment of time for the bail application, which was initially scheduled for January 8, 2025.
The petition, filed on December 24, 2024, cited the deteriorating health conditions of the accused as the basis for the request.
Justice Agyapong explained that the court’s decision to grant bail was largely influenced by humanitarian concerns raised in the petition, though the charges against the accused remain serious.
Charges and Allegations
The accused—Alhassan Abukari, Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed, Yakubu Sumaila (alias Condem), Alhaji Alhassan Nasiru Nasam, Majeed Issaqh, and Kamara Fode Issiaga—are facing multiple charges, including participating in vigilante activities, conspiracy to commit undue influence, and causing harm.
According to Assistant State Attorney Derrick Ackah Nyanike, the six, believed to be sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), allegedly conspired to disrupt voting at a National Democratic Congress (NDC) pavilion in Nyankpala by opening fire on a crowd.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects were armed with a G3 rifle, AK-47 assault rifle, pistols, and ammunition.
One of the accused, Alhassan Abukari, who is reportedly a driver for the Tolon District Chief Executive, was arrested at the scene.
The others were apprehended in an unregistered Range Rover. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded Taurus pistol and a misfired cartridge.
The case is ongoing as the court prepares to address the substantive charges against the accused individuals on January 8, 2025.
