The Achimota Circuit Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two sons of the late Alhaji Salia, who are accused of forging their father’s will.
The court, presided over by Her Honour Mrs. Akosua Anokyewaa Adjepong, granted the prosecution’s request for the warrant on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, after the accused—Abdulai Salia, also known as Abdalla Salia Junior, and Abubakar Salia—failed to appear before the court.
The two, along with three other individuals, are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, forgery, altering official documents, and perjury.
Authorities are now seeking to apprehend the accused to proceed with the legal process.
Prosecution’s Case
Dominic Bakoma, a Principal State Attorney from the Attorney General’s Office, informed the court that the two accused were aware of the proceedings but had refused to appear.
However, defense lawyer Paul Asibi Abariga argued that there was no evidence proving that the accused had been notified about the case.
Before adjourning the case, the court struck out amended charge sheets filed on October 23, 2024, and March 10, 2025, following a request from the prosecution.
Principal State Attorney Dominic Bakoma explained that the withdrawal was necessary to reorganize the prosecution’s case but asked for the charge sheet filed on August 14, 2024, to remain valid.
Defense lawyers did not oppose the withdrawal but sought clarification on the next steps.
This development follows the Attorney General’s Office taking over the case from the police after the complainant, Idris Salia, petitioned the authorities. The case has been adjourned to April 16, 2025.
Charges and Accused Persons
The accused persons include:
Joseph Kwow Addo Sam, Esq. (A1): A 52-year-old private legal practitioner
Alhaji Seidu Adams Baba (A2): The Chief of Banda in Accra
Saeed Salia (A3), Abdulai Salia (A4), and Abubakar Salia (A5): Siblings of the complainant
They face charges of conspiracy, forgery, altering official documents, and perjury.
Abdulai Salia (A4) and Abubakar Salia (A5) are currently at large.
Initially, all three siblings were charged, but the police prosecution later amended the charge sheet, dropping the charges against them.
This led complainant Idris Salia to petition the Attorney General’s Office on October 30, 2024.
Case Background
The complainant, Idris Salia, a businessman, alleged that the accused conspired to forge their late father’s will.
According to ASP Isaac Babayi, following the death of Alhaji Salia Abdullai on June 23, 2021, a will surfaced at the High Court Probate Division, dated May 7, 2004.
The will was allegedly witnessed by the late Tony Kenyin Foli and Alhaji Seidu Adams Baba (A2).
Suspicious of its authenticity, the complainant conducted private investigations, revealing that the signatures of his late father and the late Tony Kenyin Foli had been forged.
He subsequently petitioned the Director-General of CID, leading to forensic examinations by the Ghana Immigration Service and Spotlight Security Solutions.
The analysis confirmed that the signatures on the will and probate form (Judicial Form 35) did not match those of the deceased individuals.
Investigations revealed that A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 conspired to prepare the forged will, with A2 acting as a witness to legitimize it.
The forged will was presented to the High Court Registry, and on August 11, 2021, A3, A4, and A5 applied for probate based on the document.
After growing suspicious, the complainant reported the matter to the police.
During investigations, Joseph Kwow Addo Sam (A1) admitted to preparing and depositing the will at the High Court Probate Division on May 7, 2004.
Alhaji Seidu Adams Baba (A2) was also arrested but refused to provide a statement.
The fourth and fifth accused (A4 and A5) allegedly signed the probate form, which was obtained through fraudulent means.
The case continues on April 16, 2025.
