Court convicts three for possessing arms

Tamale, July 15, GNA -- The Tamale Circuit Court has imposed a total fine of 3.5 million cedis on a soldier and two civilians for illegal possession of arms.

The soldier, Private Alfred Kwabena Adeliban of the 64th Infantry Battalion, who pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition without authority in a prohibited area, was sentenced to a fine of one million cedis or in default two years' imprisonment in hard labour.

Hamza Mohammed, a tailor and Husseini Amadu, who pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition and dishonestly receiving, were fined 1.5 million cedis and one million cedis or in default three years' and two years' imprisonment in hard labour respectively.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Jonas Annor, prosecuting, said the Police in Tamale arrested Private Adeliban in November, last year on a tip off for selling 6.242 rounds of A.K.47 rifle ammunition to the second and third accused persons.

When they were arrested, Hamza offered a bribe of 15 million cedis to four Policemen, who effected their arrest, but they turned down the offer.

Mr A. A. Banga, the presiding judge, commended the Policemen for their vigilance and patriotism and for rejecting the bribe.