Four men were sentenced to eight years in prison each with hard labor by the Tamale High Court Two for their involvement in a kidnapping and ransom case in the Northern Region. The convictions, announced Tuesday by Northern Regional Police Commander DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, highlight ongoing police efforts to combat a rise in abduction incidents.
Context of the Convictions
The convicted individuals, identified as Haruna Seidu, Osman Sambo, Amadu Aminu, and Hoyeefe Amadu, were apprehended by the Northern Regional Police Intelligence Unit. Their arrest occurred at Bokpaba on the Yendi–Bimbilla road while they were allegedly dividing GH¢90,000 in ransom money.
According to DCOP Lavoe, the group was found guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, causing harm, and threat of death. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning each convicted man will serve an eight-year term.
Court’s Order on Recovered Assets
In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the auction of four motorbikes and four mobile phones seized during the investigation. The proceeds from these sales will be deposited into the Consolidated Fund. A significant portion of the recovered ransom, totaling GH¢70,010, is to be returned to the complainant’s brother, Buubu Osman.
Broader Regional Crime Wave
DCOP Lavoe stated that the successful prosecution is part of a larger operation targeting several kidnapping incidents in the region. The police are actively investigating other cases, including one where a teenage victim was shot.
One such case involved the abduction of a boy from the home of Laolo Issah in Kabulya. Armed assailants reportedly assaulted two family members before taking the child. Initially, the kidnappers demanded GH¢100,000, but later reduced the ransom to GH¢20,000.
Acting on intelligence, police intercepted Amadu Abubakari at the Binda barrier, recovering GH¢20,000 in ransom money and an unregistered motorbike. Abubakari allegedly confessed to his role and implicated accomplices who remain at large.
The victim in the Kabulya case, Ali Issah, was later discovered at Kpandai Government Hospital with a gunshot wound to his jaw. He was subsequently transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for advanced medical care.
Recent Fatal Abduction
In a separate and tragic incident, police confirmed the kidnapping of 26-year-old Yahaya Issahaq on May 25. He was abducted while tending to cattle in the Mion District. The perpetrators initially demanded GH¢200,000, eventually settling on GH¢150,000.
Intensive intelligence gathering and digital tracking efforts by the police led to the discovery of Issahaq’s body on May 28. His remains were found near the River Dakar at Kpajie, close to Nakpa, bearing gunshot wounds to the chest and a chain around his neck.
Police Commitment and Public Appeal
DCOP Lavoe extended condolences to the bereaved family of Yahaya Issahaq. He assured the public that the Northern Regional Police Command is committed to apprehending all individuals connected to these crimes.
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