Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a 79-year-old retired teacher accused of unlawfully assuming the role of a chief in Bawku, has been granted bail by the High Court in Accra.
The court approved bail set at GH¢100,000 with two sureties following an application by his legal team.
Under the bail conditions, Abagre is required to report to the National Intelligence Bureau twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays. He has also been ordered to remain within the jurisdiction and is prohibited from presenting himself—or allowing himself to be presented—as a traditional leader.
Additionally, the prosecution has been directed to ensure that Abagre, who faces charges including provocation of riot, offensive conduct likely to breach the peace, and fighting with weapons, receives any necessary medical attention.
The next hearing has been scheduled for March 23, 2026.
Speaking on the development, Martin Kpebu, the accused’s lawyer, described the granting of bail as a positive step for the country’s democratic processes.
“This is a win for our democracy. I previously argued that the charges were ‘midnight charges’ and should not be used to deny bail. Now that he has been granted bail, it reinforces our democratic principles. While the state has cited security concerns, they cannot detain him indefinitely,” Kpebu said.
Alhaji Abagre has been charged with acting as a chief without proper qualification under the Chieftaincy Act, provocation of riot under Section 200 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), offensive conduct conducive to breach of the peace, and fighting with weapons. He has pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
