The Northern Police Command has announced the arrest of ten suspects associated with the Nyankpala shooting incident that occurred during the December 7 election. This incident resulted in the unfortunate death of Alhaji Haruna Shayibu Sulemana, who was not participating in any election-related activities at the time of his passing.
The shooting significantly disrupted the voting process in Nyankpala township for over an hour. Order was restored following the swift deployment of military and police personnel. In order to ensure a seamless voting experience, the number of security personnel at the voting centres was doubled. Voting resumed shortly after the arrival of these forces, who maintained a presence throughout the day to monitor the situation. Fortunately, no additional incidents were reported.
During a recent meeting with Nyankpala Lana Mohammed Ibrahim, police commander COP Samuel Alfred Winful firmly outlined the progress of the investigation. He informed the chief and his elders that two additional suspects had been declared wanted for their involvement in the shooting of the young man. COP Winful made it clear that the police are determined to apprehend these suspects without delay.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation from the chief and his elders, urging them to provide any information that could assist in the investigation. Furthermore, he assured them that he would return promptly with the investigation’s results.
“Names are still emerging, and we have gathered some evidence and statements. We recognize that this will ultimately be a court matter, so our goal is to establish a solid factual basis to ensure that there is no doubt when we present our findings in court.
Investigations are ongoing, and as we know, murder cases can take time to resolve. Additionally, it can be challenging to convince the community that the investigation is active. As a respected leader within the community, we wanted to come to you to provide an update and reassurance,” COP Winful stated.
Chief of Police Winful provided assurances to the chief and elders that, despite having engaged with the family of the deceased and obtained a statement in Tamale, any individuals whose names are presented will be summoned for questioning. Their statements will be recorded, and should the need for arrest arise, appropriate action will be taken. He urged the chief to encourage witnesses to support the investigation, emphasising that the police department would facilitate the prosecution of all individuals involved in the case.
“Some individuals may assign blame to certain parties and express a desire for their incarceration; however, that is not the proper procedure for conducting investigations. Any names that are put forward will be formally invited to provide statements, and we will duly recognize the appropriate time for any necessary arrests to be made and for those individuals to be presented before the court. I want to assure you that our efforts will extend beyond this initial phase. I kindly request that you inform the youth, who may not be cognizant of our activities, that we are actively addressing this issue,” COP Winful assured the chief and elders.
COP Winiful has indicated that certain suspects have been transferred to Accra for questioning, as mandated by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The police command has taken a vested interest in this case and is dedicated to pursuing a thorough and conclusive investigation.
Nyankpala Lana Mohammed Ibrahim extended his gratitude to the delegation visiting the palace and assured them of the unwavering cooperation of both the residents and the palace. He conveyed to the police commander that he has assigned his elders the responsibility of engaging the youth within their community gathering spaces, stressing the importance of refraining from taking the law into their own hands. This directive is particularly vital in light of a recent shooting incident that occurred on the night of the 8th, which prompted him to contact the police for assistance.
“It was here before the election that I called the DCE and warned him about the election. Yet see what has happened now? According to the residents, the DCE, MP, during the incident was seen holding a pistol gun while Komshit was carrying an AK. He did the shooting. We shall allow the police to do their work, I can assure you,” the chief stated.
Nyankpala Lana firmly assured the police command that he would not tolerate or protect anyone involved in violence within the community.
He instructed the elders to take action and engage the youth directly. “Yesterday, I made it a priority for the elders to speak with the young people, as neglecting this responsibility could lead to more trouble. As the chief, I will not take sides with anyone. We stand united in support of the police and the commanders; know that you have my full backing.”
WHAT HAPPENED IN NYANKPALA
On election day at the UDS polling centre, it was reported that an NPP Regional Organizer, COP Rashid, was observed distributing money to certain voters. This action provoked significant anger among some NDC residents, who confronted him and subsequently expelled him from the polling centre. An eyewitness noted that the statements made by the NPP Regional Organizer incited the local youth to disrupt the transportation of voters being facilitated by the incumbent Tolon Member of Parliament, Alhaji Habib Iddrisu. Consequently, the youth obstructed the road and instructed the bus driver to return the voters to Tamale, their point of origin, rather than allowing them to enter the Tolon communities.
A few hours later, a bus escorted by the Member of Parliament (MP), the District Chief Executive (DCE), and Chief of Police (COP) Rashid passed through Nyankpala township when it was stopped. According to an eyewitness account, as the MP, DCE, and a man carrying a gun exited their vehicle, a warning shot was fired. The man, known as Komshit, who was part of the MP’s entourage, discharged a warning shot while stones were thrown at the escort. Tragically, a stray bullet fired by Komshit struck and killed Alhaji Haruna Shayibu Sulemana, who was seated under a shelter at the junction at the time.
