Lamashegu disturbance: Police officer remanded, one other granted bail

A Circuit Court in Tamale has remanded into police custody, General Corporal, Samson Kweku Darfour, the officer who allegedly shot a young man, Rahaman Jabir at the Lamashegu Chief’s palace.

Charged with unlawful discharge of a weapon and causing harm, General Corporal, Samson Kweku Darfour is to reappear on February 24, 2022.

The court has also granted bail, in the sum of GHC 5,000 to another police officer, Monney Koranteng, who is said to have made derogatory comments on social media about the Lamashegu chief.

Corporal Monny K Koranteng in his comment on Facebook said “God would punish you for telling lies here. Nobody brutalised anybody because I am here. You abducted a police officer in your dirty palace and seized his raffle. When reinforcement came you were throwing stones, Moa”

Charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace in Tamale, he is to reappear before the court on February 28, 2022.

The Regional Crime Officer, Bernard Baba Ananga, while speaking to reporters said the Police administration will not shield any police officer who is found of misconduct in the line of his duty.

“We are here not to shield anybody, we are here to ensure justice for the other side and justice for the police. The Regional Commander has indicated that he is not ready to shield anybody.

Background

Rahaman Jabir, who was said to have been driving an unregistered vehicle, was asked by police officers to stop, but he refused.

While being pursued by the police, the 24-year-old managed to drive to the Lamashegu Chief Palace. It was at the chief’s palace where he was shot in the hip.

The youth of the area got angered for what they described as total disrespect to the traditional ruler leading to unrest in the area.

Seven people got injured and an 18-year-old JHS graduate who was shot died in the process.

Meanwhile, the Police Service has interdicted six officers in connection with the incident.