The Northern Regional Police Command has secured the conviction and sentencing of four men for kidnapping and ransom-related offences, while intensifying efforts to arrest suspects linked to separate abduction cases in the region.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on June 2, 2026, the Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Tamale stating that the suspects were prosecuted by the Tamale High Court Two.

The convicted persons — Haruna Seidu, Osman Sambo, Amadu Aminu and Hoyeefe Amadu — abducted a man at Wapuli and demanded ransom from his family.

“The accused persons were arrested by the Northern Regional Police Intelligence Unit while sharing the ransom money at Bokpaba on the Yendi–Bimbilla road,” DCOP Lavoe said.

He noted that the court found the four guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, causing harm and threat of death.

“Each was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment with hard labour, to run concurrently,” he indicated.

The court also ordered the auction of four motorbikes and four mobile phones retrieved during investigations, with the proceeds to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

A sum of GH¢70,010, believed to be part of the recovered ransom, is to be returned to the complainant’s brother, Buubu Osman.

DCOP Lavoe said police were continuing investigations into other kidnapping incidents in the region, including a case in Kabulya where armed men attacked the residence of Laolo Issah, assaulted two family members and abducted a boy.

Police arrest key suspect in Wapuli kidnapping case

According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded GH¢100,000 but later reduced the amount to GH¢20,000.

Police intelligence led to the arrest of Amadu Abubakari at the Binda barrier, where officers retrieved GH¢20,000 in ransom money and an unregistered motorbike.

The suspect reportedly admitted involvement in the crime and identified accomplices who are currently on the run.

The victim, Ali Issah, was later found at the Kpandai Government Hospital with a gunshot wound to the jaw and was transferred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

In a separate case, police confirmed the kidnapping of 26-year-old Yahaya Issahaq, who was abducted on May 25, 2026, while grazing cattle in the Mion District.

The abductors reportedly demanded GH¢200,000 as ransom, which was later reduced to GH¢150,000.

DCOP Lavoe said coordinated intelligence and digital tracking efforts enabled police to locate the victim’s body on May 28 near River Dakar at Kpajie, close to Nakpa.

He had sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and was found with a chain around his neck.

DCOP expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that police were working to arrest all individuals connected to the crimes.

“The Northern Regional Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes within the region,” DCOP Lavoe said.

He urged the public to support ongoing investigations by providing information through emergency numbers 191, 18555 or at the nearest police station.

MRA/VPO

I was surprised when the anti gay bill was passed on Friday Speaker Bagbin