Accra High Court denies bail to Naa Sheriga Kulga II over Bawku security concerns
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Mr Abagre has pleaded not guilty to four charges, including allegedly acting as a chief without qualification and provoking riots.
The High Court in Accra has refused bail to Alhaji Seidu Abagre, also known as Naa Sheriga Kulga II, and ordered that he remain in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) as his trial continues.
Mr Abagre has pleaded not guilty to four charges, including allegedly acting as a chief without qualification and provoking riots. In its orders, the court also directed the Attorney-General to ensure his dignity, welfare and wellbeing are protected while in custody.
Delivering its ruling, the court said it was mindful of the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to personal liberty. But it concluded that the circumstances before it justified keeping the accused in detention for now, on public safety grounds.
The State’s case against bail was led by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that Mr Abagre’s release could undermine what he described as fragile stability in Bawku. The prosecution maintained that, while the long-running conflict cannot be placed solely at the feet of the accused, the latest surge in violence is closely connected to his claim to the Bawku skin.
Dr Srem-Sai told the court the Republic had a duty to maintain peace and order, and that this obligation must be balanced against the individual’s right to liberty. He also rejected claims of unconstitutional detention, arguing that the accused was being held under a lawful court order and had been allowed access to family, legal counsel and medical care.
The defence, led by lawyer Martin Kpebu, challenged the State’s justification and said Mr Abagre had been detained for 26 days without being told the charges against him, which he argued breached Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution. He told the court the charge sheet was served only shortly before the hearing and suggested the State had taken weeks to assemble charges.
Mr Kpebu further argued that the alleged offences were misdemeanours carrying relatively light penalties, and that his client, whom he described as an elderly retired teacher with strong family ties, was not a flight risk.
