The Circuit Court in Tamale has issued a bench warrant for the immediate arrest of four out of five suspects who were involved in the Tamale Central Market shooting incident.
On January 28, one Tahiru Sulemana was arrested after he sustained sustained gunshot wounds during the gun battle and has been remanded while four others are on the run.
The four who are the subject matter of the bench warrant are – Faisal Alhassan (Warrant No. 01/20250), son of Gulkpenaa from Tamale; Osman Mohammed Nyohini Zaachi (Warrant No. 02/2025); Rashid Zakaria (Warrant No. 04/2025); and Yakubu Mohammed (Warrant No. 03/2025), known as the chairman.
They have all been declared wanted by the court for failing to appear regarding their involvement in the shooting incident on January 28, 2025, related to the Tamale Central market land dispute.
The five suspects are facing three charges: conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically causing harm; causing harm; and the use of an offensive weapon, in violation of Sections 70, 23 (1), and 69 of the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960 (Act 29).
According to the prosecutor, the five suspects colluded with a common intention to commit a crime, specifically to inflict harm on Alhassan Seidu, Eric Kofi Mensah, and Shaibu Abdul Ganiu, utilizing a firearm to do so.
Brief Facts
Per the brief facts before the Court of the prosecution said, on January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:30am, five suspects were apprehended in connection with an incident involving a daylight shooting dispute over a parcel of land at the Tamale Central Market.
The suspects apart from Tahiru Sulemana, the rest of Faisal Alhassan, Osman Mohammed of Nyohini Zaachi, Yakubu Mohammed, known as Chairman, and Rashid Zakaria are currently at large.
It said, preliminary investigations indicate that a youth vigilante group associated with the Gulkpegu Chief Palace in Tamale, led by the fugitive Faisal Alhassan, targeted a businessman and other victims during the attack.
The prosecution said, Faisal Alhassan, the alleged ringleader, reportedly organized and equipped his gang members, including the aforementioned suspects, who indiscriminately fired weapons at individuals on a parcel of land purportedly owned by businessman Alhassan Fuseini.
The facts said, the actions of the suspects resulted in injuries to Alhassan Seidu, Eric Kofi Mensah, and Shaibu Abdul Ganiu, all of whom suffered gunshot wounds and were admitted to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
It is the case of the Prosecution that, the victims included Alhassan Seidu, 33, (shot in the right leg); Eric Kofi Mensah, 30, (shot in the right knee); and Shaibu Abdul Ganiu, 39,( injured while taking cover under a vehicle) during the shooting.
The Prosecution said, the driver attempted to escape from the violent incident, causing further injury to Shaibu.
Additionally, the Prosecution said, Tahiru Sulemana, 30, sustained gunshot wounds to both thighs.
The facts stated that, the police acted swiftly upon receiving a distress call about several suspects who armed themselves with G3 and AK-47 rifles.
It said, these individuals left the Gulkpenaa Palace in Tamale and proceeded to the Tamale Central Market to attack a youth group.
In this brazen act, the facts explained that, they fired upon traders over a parcel of land located near the road overpass at the market.
The Prosecution said, all victims are in stable condition and receiving the necessary treatment.
It said, Tahiru Sulemana, was admitted to Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). But, a witness identified him to the police as one of the armed assailants shooting recklessly at traders.
Safety
Meanwhile, the police and military have secured the market centre; however, the suspects were not located at the crime scene.
It said, a thorough search of the area uncovered two spent shells from G3 and AK-47 rifles, as well as one live 9mm round of ammunition.
The evidence indicates that the suspects were armed with high-calibre weapons, including G3 and AK-47 rifles and a 9mm firearm.
Tahiru Sulemana was treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital and is now under arrest to assist with the investigation.
The Prosecution indicated that the police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects who are still at large while investigations continue.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Noah Nash Hoenyefia
