Nana Barima Ababio, also known as BenLord Ababio, and his associate Nana Kofi Amo Kwakye, both of whom claim traditional titles, appeared in the Accra High Court over charges related to a fatal land dispute that led to the death of Lance Corporal Michael Danso.
The pair face conspiracy charges, with BenLord Ababio additionally charged with murder.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the accusations in front of Justice Lydia Osei-Marfo, a Court of Appeal judge temporarily presiding over the High Court.
The court denied bail to Nana Barima Ababio, citing the seriousness of the charges, the weight of the evidence, and concerns for both public safety and his own security.
Meanwhile, Kwakye, who had previously been granted bail by the Amasaman High Court in July 2024, was again granted bail, but with stricter conditions.
Kwakye’s bail was set at GHC 1 million, with two sureties required to provide property documents matching or exceeding that value.
The court specified that these documents must be fully registered with the Land Commission and verified by the court’s registrar.
Additionally, Kwakye was required to surrender his passport, and his sureties had to present their Ghana Cards as identification. He must also report to the CID Operations Director every Friday.
The case has been adjourned to October 30, 2024, with the prosecution ordered to file their final disclosures before that date.
The case stems from an incident on April 30, 2024, when Lance Corporal Danso and two colleagues, Lance Corporals Abdul Omar Rahman and Ametus Matthew, went to Millennium City Police Station to file a complaint about trespassers developing land belonging to Rahman.
While at the station, BenLord Ababio allegedly opened fire, killing Lance Corporal Danso instantly before being subdued and arrested by the police. Investigations later led to Kwakye’s arrest as well.
The defendants’ legal team confirmed they had received the Bill of Indictment, and the prosecution, led by Dufie Selasi, stated that all necessary disclosures had been provided.
The court convened for a Case Management Conference and issued further directions.