Four immigration officers face disciplinary action over farmer’s death

Four officers of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) accused of involvement in the death of a farmer, Patrick Banoebuuri, in Naro, located in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, have been handed over to the Upper West Regional GIS Command for administrative sanctions.

The officers, identified as Senior Inspector Adjei Boadi Philip (36), AICO II Abdulai Rawuf Abubakar (22), AICO II Nkrumah Alex (33), and AICO II Philip Oppong (28), were all stationed in the district at the time of the incident.

Additionally, two civilians, Pogee Antaa Julius (38), a Unit Committee Chairman, and Logu Seidu (49), a local farmer, who were also implicated in the case, have been granted bail by the Wa District Magistrate Court. Each suspect secured bail at GH¢20,000 with one surety.

Presiding over the case, His Worship Maxwell Maxibrian Titriku granted the bail to allow the police time to complete their investigations, with the suspects set to reappear in court on April 10, 2025.

Case Background

The allegations stem from the death of Patrick Banoebuuri, a farmer from Piree-Kaangu in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, who died on March 7, 2025, at an immigration checkpoint in Naro.

According to court records, Banoebuuri was accused of stealing 18 sheep on March 6, 2025, and was apprehended by community members. After returning 14 of the animals, he was released.

However, the following day, Pogee Antaa Julius and Logu Seidu reportedly led a group to Banoebuuri’s home, demanding the remaining four sheep. They allegedly detained him and handed him over to the immigration officers at the Naro checkpoint for "disciplinary action."

Court documents state that the officers—Senior Inspector Philip, Abubakar, Nkrumah, and Oppong—took custody of Banoebuuri, who was in good health at the time. The officers allegedly subjected him to strenuous physical punishment, including a "frog jump" exercise, which resulted in his death.

Legal Proceedings

Saeed Abdul Shakur, the Principal State Attorney for the Upper West Region, stated in an interview that police are expected to complete their investigations by April 10, 2025, after which the case docket will be forwarded to his office for legal advice.

The incident has sparked public outcry, with concerns raised over the treatment of suspects by security personnel. Authorities have assured that due process will be followed in determining the culpability of all involved.