Following the tragic death of Mr. Patrick Banoebuuri, two farmers from Naro have been granted bail by the Wa district court. Meanwhile, the four Ghana Immigration Service officers implicated in the incident have been denied bail and remanded into custody pending further investigations.
The court's decision comes in the wake of public outcry and demands for justice related to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Banoebuuri's death. The 38-year-old father of four passed away on March 7, 2025, while in the custody of the immigration officers at an immigration checkpoint in Naro, a farming community in the Nadowli-Kaleo district.
Sources from Info Radio indicate that the incident began when Mr. Banoebuuri attempted to sell 18 sheep, which were later identified as belonging to a local resident. Suspicion arose when the prospective buyer, a Fulani man, questioned Mr. Banoebuuri’s claim of ownership. This led to involvement from community members, who confirmed the rightful ownership of the sheep. Acknowledging his error, Mr. Banoebuuri agreed to return the animals.
However, the situation intensified as local residents debated how to handle Mr. Banoebuuri's alleged livestock theft, with some advocating for public punishment. Ultimately, community leaders decided to hand him over to the immigration officers for what they presumed would be appropriate disciplinary action. Tragically, this choice culminated in Mr. Banoebuuri's untimely demise while in custody.
The Wa district court remanded the four immigration officers into prison custody, stating that they must face further legal proceedings and investigations into the events leading to Mr. Banoebuuri's death. They are scheduled to reappear in court, while the two farmers from Naro who were granted bail are expected to continue their proceedings on April 10, 2025.
In the wake of this incident, the regional hierarchy of the Ghana Immigration Service has been tasked with conducting an internal investigation into the actions of their personnel during this troubling event. The case has not only sparked significant outrage among community members but has also raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of individuals in custody and the protocols followed by immigration officers.
Community leaders and family members are calling for accountability and justice, as they mourn the loss of a cherished father and husband. As this story develops, the community remains on high alert, demanding a thorough investigation and appropriate consequences for those responsible. Info Radio is reliably informed that, an autopsy on the deceased has already been commissioned at the Upper West Regional Hospital to assist in the investigations.
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