Court Denies Bail To Nine Suspects In Nkwanta Riots Case
An Accra Circuit Court has declined a bail application for nine individuals allegedly involved in the recent riots at Nkwanta in the Oti Region. Presiding Judge Mr. Isaac Addo dismissed the request, following submissions from the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, who described the situation in Nkwanta as still volatile. He stated the decision was in the interest of both the accused and public safety, noting that the rights of the accused persons must be balanced against the rights of other citizens and, therefore, could not be regarded as absolute.
The defence team argued that the accused had been in lawful custody for an extended period and were constitutionally entitled to bail. The court has yet to take their pleas, and all nine were remanded into custody for two weeks. The accused, Evans Mawugbe, Donkor Ebenzer, Solomon Amenu, Robert Dzanka, Kenyenso Senyo, Edwin Yeboah, Yudah Adule, Keteke Joshua, and Grace Ordzi are facing charges including conspiracy to commit crime, causing harm, rioting, and rioting with weapons.
According to the prosecution, the suspects, all residents of Nkwanta, were arrested during a joint Police, Military and National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) operation enforcing a curfew. The incident on June 26, 2025, allegedly involved ritual activity at the Yam Market that escalated into violence and property damage. Gunshots were reportedly fired, injuring several residents, including Emmanuel Popolampo, Azumah Angela, Akwasi (alias Commando), and Ruth. One unidentified male victim died from gunshot injuries after being taken to hospital. While nine suspects were arrested, others are still at large.
