Farmer bailed over alleged threats in rental dispute; Wife, father on the run

A farmer accused of threatening a businessman and his employees over a rental dispute has been granted bail by the Amasaman Circuit Court. 

The court set bail at GH¢50,000 with two sureties for 28-year-old Ali Baba Maigah, who allegedly tried to force the complainant, Sadat Osmanu, out of a store his father had fraudulently leased.

The dispute arose when Issaka Maiga, Ali Baba’s father, allegedly took GH¢30,000 from Osmanu under the pretense of renting out a store to him for five years. However, after receiving the money, Issaka reportedly avoided Osmanu’s calls, and the businessman later discovered that the store had already been occupied by someone else.

Frustrated, Osmanu attempted to set up his business in an adjacent store, but Ali Baba allegedly confronted his workers, seized their tools, and threatened to assault them if they continued working there. After repeated incidents, Osmanu lodged a formal complaint with the police.

On November 11, 2024, police arrested Ali Baba after another confrontation at the store. As he was being transported in Osmanu’s vehicle to the police station, his wife, Brahina Yakubu, allegedly hurled insults at the complainant and threw a stone at the car, shattering the front windscreen, which was valued at GH¢1,850.

Ali Baba has denied threatening to harm Osmanu’s workers, but he admitted to forcing the complainant out of the store. Meanwhile, a bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of his father and wife, who remain at large.

The court, presided over by Ms. Enid Marful-Sau, has scheduled a Case Management Conference for April 2, 2025. The prosecution has also been directed to provide the accused with all necessary case materials.

Police continue to search for Brahina and Issaka as investigations proceed.