Three remanded over Northern Region kidnapping after gun battle rescue

A Tamale Circuit Court has remanded three men into prison custody over their alleged involvement in a recent kidnapping near Wapuli in Ghana’s Northern Region.

The accused — Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi — were brought before the court on initial charges of kidnapping and conspiracy. They did not take pleas, as prosecutors told the court that investigations were still at an early stage.

Police prosecutors said the men were arrested following an intelligence-led operation mounted after the abduction of a 42-year-old man at Tindugu, near Yankazia and Wapuli in the Saboba District, on 2 December 2025.

The court heard that key exhibits are still being processed and witness statements are yet to be completed. Prosecutors therefore asked that the suspects be kept in prison custody to avoid interference with witnesses and ongoing enquiries.

Northern Regional Police PRO, Luckman Nindow, confirming the court’s decision on Monday, said the three are expected to reappear next week. He also pushed back against claims that police are slow to act on kidnapping cases involving Fulani victims.

Police say the victim was rescued during an exchange of gunfire at the suspects’ alleged hideout in Bokpaba, near Bimbila in the Nanumba North District, where the arrests were made.

Mr Nindow appealed to residents to continue sharing information with the security services, urging communities to report suspicious movements promptly as kidnapping cases in the area come under increased scrutiny.