Businessman in court for pointing loaded gun at police officer

A 59-year-old businessman, Seth Welbeck, appeared before an Accra Circuit Court this week, accused of threatening a police officer with a loaded pistol on the court premises.

Welbeck faces charges of threat of death and unlawful possession of a firearm, specifically a Smith and Wesson SD9 VE pistol. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Presiding over the case, Judge Joojo Amoah granted Welbeck bail of GH¢200,000 with two sureties, to be justified by landed property, and adjourned the case to March 3, 2026.

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According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Nego Dzigbordi, the incident involved Detective Chief Inspector Prince Okoh of the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Accra.

Welbeck, a resident of Accra, was previously under investigation for alleged forgery of judicial or official documents and had been served with a criminal summons to appear before Circuit Court on February 3, 2026. He was granted bail of GH¢200,000 in that case as well.

On the day of the alleged incident, Welbeck requested permission to lock his vehicle on the court premises.

Detective Chief Inspector Okoh, accompanied by Chief Inspector Margaret Nando, a Court Warrant Officer, escorted him to the car.

The prosecution told the court that Welbeck suddenly drew a loaded pistol, pointing it at Detective Okoh.

The officer reacted quickly, striking Welbeck’s hand and causing the gun to fall to the ground.

One Michael Obeng Ntim, who witnessed the incident, rushed to help, and Welbeck was restrained, handcuffed, and taken to the Regional CID, where a formal report was filed.

The court will hear the matter further on March 3.

NA/VPO

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