Self-acclaimed Chief remanded for two weeks over death of soldier

The District Court in Achimota has remanded a self-proclaimed traditional ruler, who was arrested in connection with the death of a military officer at Millennium City, into police custody for two weeks.

Benlord Ababio, also known as Nana Barima Ababio and described in the police report as a national security operative, was arraigned on a provisional charge of murder.

Although his plea was not taken, Magistrate His Worship Prince Owusu ordered him to reappear on May 16, 2024, after hearing from the prosecution.

According to the brief facts of the case, the deceased, Lance Corporal Michael Danso, was a military officer stationed at the Army Base Workshop at Burma Camp. The accused, Benlord Ababio, alias Nana Barima Ababio, is a national security operative and a self-proclaimed traditional ruler in Kasoa.

On April 30, 2024, at approximately 16:00 hrs, the deceased, Lance Corporal Michael Danso, along with his two colleagues—Lance Corporal Abdul Omar Rahman and Lance Corporal Ametus Matthew—went to Millennium City Police Station aboard a Toyota RAV4 with registration number 3591-24 to report a case of trespass.

This was based on information that some encroachers were developing a parcel of land belonging to Lance Corporal Abdul Omar Rahman.

The report stated that the accused appeared at the police station, attacked, and opened fire several times on Lance Corporal Michael Danso, who was at the steering wheel of the Toyota RAV4 vehicle, killing him instantly.

The accused was immediately disarmed and arrested for investigation. He was subsequently arraigned for the court to remand him pending further investigations.