Tensions flared in the Ejura community on Saturday, following the death of Masawudu Shaibu, a 26-year-old man who died in police custody.
Angered by the circumstances surrounding his death, enraged youth set the Ejura Police Station ablaze, alongside police vehicles and other properties.
In an interview with GHOne News, Member of Parliament for Ejura-Sekyedumase, Mohammed Bawa Braimah, recounted the chain of events leading up to the chaos and raised concerns about police conduct.
The Incident
According to the MP, Masawudu Shaibu, a resident of Ejura, reportedly turned himself in upon police invitation after being implicated in a theft case involving a missing phone which he had bought from a young man.
According to the MP, Shaibu went voluntarily to the police station to provide his statement. However, he was arrested in detained in police custody after 10 pm on Friday 10th January 2025.
While in custody, the suspect began complaining of abdominal pains and started vomiting in the police cell.
“The police took him to the hospital, but unfortunately, he passed on,” Bawa Braimah narrated.
The lifeless body was subsequently transported to the mortuary in Mampong from Ejura Hospital where he passed on without the knowledge of the hospital’s medical superintendent by the police.
When news of Shaibu’s death broke, rumors spread that he had died due to police brutality.
These claims sparked outrage among the youth of the area, leading them to storm the Ejura Police Station, setting it ablaze, and destroying vehicles parked on the premises.
Efforts to De-escalate Tensions
The MP narrated his efforts to calm the situation. Upon learning of the unrest, he contacted community leaders, including assembly members and religious leaders, urging them to intervene.
“I pleaded with the youth and asked the divisional police commander to call for reinforcements to contain the situation. However, the response was inadequate,” Hon. Braimah explained.
He criticized the police for their perceived lack of preparation, stating that they could have anticipated the youth’s reaction and taken proactive measures. “The police knew the risks involved in handling such a sensitive case, yet their response was insufficient to prevent this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Questions Surrounding Police Actions
The Ejura MP Bawa Braimah raised critical questions about the police’s handling of the case, particularly regarding Shaibu’s detention and the subsequent handling of his death.
“Why was Shaibu, who voluntarily turned himself in, detained overnight instead of being granted bail? Why was there a delay in taking him to the hospital after he complained of discomfort?” he asked.
The MP also expressed concern about the decision to transport Shaibu’s body to Mampong without consulting his family or conducting a proper autopsy.
“In a case such as this, where there are allegations of police brutality, it is unacceptable to release the body without a thorough examination,” he emphasized.
He explained” I personally instructed the police not to release the body to the family but before I know they have already done that. So I had to direct the family to return the body to the hospital for Autopsy to be conducted to clear every rumor surrounding his death. Before that I had alredy made arrangement for pathologist from Kumasi to come in to conduct the autopsy’’ he said.
Autopsy Findings and Community Reaction
According to the MP, preliminary autopsy results suggested that Shaibu had an underlying medical condition that contributed to his death. While this finding could explain his sudden demise, Bawa Braimah stressed the importance of transparency in handling such cases to avoid further speculation.
He commended the family of the deceased for exercising restraint after being briefed on the autopsy results.
“I appeal to the community to allow due process to take place. Violence only exacerbates the situation,” he said.
The Ejura legislature called on authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
He urged the police service to review its protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This tragic event should serve as a wake-up call. If the police had acted with more diligence, this loss of life and destruction of property could have been avoided,” he reitrated.
Condemnation of Violence
While condemning the actions of the angry youth who burned the police station, Bawa Braimah emphasized that public buildings are critical resources for the community.
“Destroying a police station only weakens our ability to maintain law and order. Let us channel our frustrations through dialogue and lawful means,” he urged.
The Ejura community remains on edge as investigations continue. The burning of the police station is reminiscent of past incidents in the area, such as the 2021 death of activist Ibrahim Kaaka Mohammed, which also led to unrest.
The death of Masawudu Shaibu and the subsequent violent reaction highlights deep-seated tensions between the police and communities. As the dust settles, residents hope for justice, transparency, and reconciliation to restore peace in Ejura.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Justice Bediako
