Bawku Conflict: Mamprusi youth storm court over Alhaji Abagre’s arrest

Some youth from the Mamprusi community have stormed the Accra High Court following the detention of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, described as a “rival Bawku Naba,” after his arrest based on the implementation of the Asantehene’s mediation report, which recommended the removal of the rival chief from Bawku.

In a series of videos shared on social media on January 19, 2026, the youth, who described themselves as supporters of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, expressed dissatisfaction with the government over what they claimed were injustices against him.

According to them, the “rival chief,” who appeared before the court on Monday, has been unlawfully detained. They further alleged that the charges levelled against him by the state are unfounded and a deliberate attempt to forcibly strip him of his birthright.

Bawku Crisis: Court remands ‘Rival Bawku Naba’ in custody

Meanwhile, speaking to the media, lead counsel for Alhaji Seidu Abagre, Martin Kpebu, noted that his client, who remains in detention after the court denied him bail, is scheduled to reappear before the court on January 26, 2026.

“On the 26th, we will return to the first case, which is the habeas corpus application. The state simply picked him up and put him in custody. For 26 days, they didn’t know what to do. It is today that they have come up with what we consider bogus charges.

“So we are challenging the legality of his detention. That is what we will be coming back on Monday to pursue,” he said.

Court orders state to justify detention of 'rival Bawku Naba' Alhaji Seidu

Kpebu also disclosed that the state has filed four new criminal charges against his client, adding that Alhaji Seidu Abagre will again appear before the court on February 2, 2026.

“The court has remanded him, so we are returning in respect of today’s criminal case on February 2, 2026. This is a criminal matter before the Attorney-General. They have slapped him with four charges. They allege that he held himself out as a chief contrary to the Chieftaincy Act.

“They also say he provoked a riot and behaved in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. These are what we describe in law as misdemeanours,” he added.

Watch the video below:



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