An Accra High Court has scheduled February 11, 2025, to hear a bail application filed on behalf of Ben Lord Ababio, a self-acclaimed traditional ruler accused of murder.
When the case was called on Tuesday, lawyers for Ababio, also known as Nana Barima, informed the court of the formal bail application they had submitted.
Ababio and Nana Kofi Amo Gyekye, also known as Nana Fiifi, are facing trial for their alleged involvement in a land dispute that led to the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Two other alleged accomplices, identified as Oteng and Salisu, remain at large.
The prosecution has charged Ababio and Gyekye with conspiracy, with Ababio facing an additional charge of murder.
While Ababio remains in lawful custody, Gyekye has been granted bail set at GHC 1 million with two sureties, which must be justified. As part of his bail conditions, Gyekye was also required to surrender his passport to the court.
Incident Details
The case dates back to April 30, 2024, when, at approximately 4:00 PM, Lance Corporal Michael Danso, along with his colleagues Lance Corporals Abdul Omar Rahman and Ametus Mattew, drove to the Millennium City Police Station in a Toyota RAV4 to report a trespassing incident.
The soldiers had been informed that encroachers were developing land owned by Lance Corporal Abdul Omar Rahman.
While at the police station, Ababio allegedly arrived at the scene and opened fire on Lance Corporal Danso, who was seated in the driver’s seat. Danso died instantly.
The police immediately disarmed and arrested Ababio for further investigations, which later led to the arrest of Gyekye.
With the upcoming bail hearing, the court is expected to determine whether Ababio should remain in custody or be released pending trial.
