Naa Sheriga Kulga II denied bail -AG ordered to respect his dignity 

The General Jurisdiction Division of the High Court in Accra has refused a bail application filed on behalf of a 79-year-old retired teacher, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, also known as Naa Sheriga Kulga II, who is accused of unlawfully holding himself out as the Bawku Naba.

Alhaji Abagre has been charged with four counts; acting as a chief without qualification, provocation of riot, offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace and fighting with weapons and provoking people to fight with deadly weapons.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Presenting the brief facts, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, traced the origins of the Kusasi–Mamprusi conflict to competing claims over the Bawku chieftaincy, citing a series of legal and political decisions dating back to the colonial era.

He told the court that successive governments, since 2003, have upheld a Supreme Court decision recognising Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the lawful Bawku Naba.

Despite this, the prosecution alleged that Alhaji Abagre declared himself Bawku Naba at a ceremony in Nalerigu on February 14, 2023 and later moved to Bawku – actions the state says reignited violence in the area.

Prosecutors further alleged that his presence and activities provoked disturbances that resulted in at least 134 deaths, with fresh violence erupting again in December 2025.

According to investigators, the accused knew he was not qualified to occupy the skin and that his actions were likely to incite violence but proceeded regardless.

The court was also told that, acting with the approval of the National Security Council, security agencies removed him from Bawku in December 2025 and placed him in protective custody, under a court order, due to threats to national security and his personal safety.

Moving the bail application, defence counsel Martin Kpebu argued that his client was innocent and would attend court as required.

He contended that the accused had been held for 26 days without being informed of the offences against him, in violation of Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution.

Counsel further described the charges as misdemeanours carrying a maximum sentence of three years, insisting there was no incentive for the accused to abscond.

Mr. Kpebu told the court that Alhaji Abagre has a fixed place of abode in Bawku, family ties and credible persons willing to stand surety.

He also raised concerns about his client’s health, stating that the accused appeared frail and had difficulty walking, and urged the court to admit him to bail to protect his constitutional rights.

He referenced a habeas corpus application filed earlier in January, arguing that the state’s conduct warranted the grant of bail.

Opposing the application, Dr. Srem-Sai rejected claims that the state had acted unlawfully, saying a valid court order authorised the accused’s detention.

He told the court that the accused had access to family, counsel of his choice, and medical care, and that the Republic had not violated his rights.

While acknowledging that the Bawku conflict predated the accused, the Deputy Attorney-General argued that the current phase of violence was “inextricably tied” to Alhaji Abagre’s claim to the skin.

He submitted that granting bail would not promote peace, safety, or security, either for the accused or for affected communities, and urged the court to keep him in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau.

In a brief reply, defence counsel maintained that any void remand order could be set aside by the court and reiterated the constitutional presumption of innocence.

Ruling on the application, the court noted that although the offences were misdemeanours, the surrounding facts and circumstances warranted a refusal of bail. The court consequently denied the application.

The court directed the Attorney-General to ensure that the dignity of the accused is respected and that he has access to medical treatment.

The Attorney-General was also ordered to file disclosures. The case was adjourned to February 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

 

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