On January 28, Tahiru Sulemana was arrested after sustaining gunshot wounds during the gun battle and has since been remanded, while the other four remain at large.
The four suspects subject to the bench warrant are Faisal Alhassan (Warrant No. 01/2025), son of Gulkpenaa from Tamale; Osman Mohammed Nyohini Zaachi (Warrant No. 02/2025); Rashid Zakaria (Warrant No. 04/2025); and Yakubu Mohammed (Warrant No. 03/2025), known as the chairman.
They have all been declared wanted by the court for failing to appear regarding their involvement in the January 28, 2025, shooting incident tied to the Tamale Central Market land dispute.
The five suspects face three charges: conspiracy to commit a crime (specifically causing harm), causing harm, and using an offensive weapon, in violation of Sections 70, 23 (1), and 69 of the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960 (Act 29).
Brief Facts:
According to the prosecution, on January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:30 am, the five suspects were involved in a daylight shooting related to a dispute over a parcel of land at the Tamale Central Market.
Except for Tahiru Sulemana, the remaining suspects—Faisal Alhassan, Osman Mohammed Nyohini Zaachi, Yakubu Mohammed (known as Chairman), and Rashid Zakaria—are still at large.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a youth vigilante group associated with the Gulkpegu Chief Palace in Tamale, led by fugitive Faisal Alhassan, targeted a businessman and other victims during the attack.
The prosecution alleges that Faisal Alhassan, the suspected ringleader, organized and equipped his gang members, including the aforementioned suspects, who indiscriminately fired weapons at individuals over the disputed parcel of land allegedly owned by businessman Alhassan Fuseini.
The suspects’ actions resulted in injuries to Alhassan Seidu, Eric Kofi Mensah, and Shaibu Abdul Ganiu, all of whom suffered gunshot wounds and were admitted to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Victims’ Injuries:
- Alhassan Seidu, 33, was shot in the right leg.
- Eric Kofi Mensah, 30, was shot in the right knee.
- Shaibu Abdul Ganiu, 39, was injured while taking cover under a vehicle during the shooting. The driver attempted to escape from the violent incident, which further injured Shaibu.
Tahiru Sulemana, 30, sustained gunshot wounds to both thighs.
The police acted swiftly upon receiving a distress call regarding suspects who had armed themselves with G3 and AK-47 rifles. The suspects, having left the Gulkpenaa Palace in Tamale, proceeded to the Tamale Central Market to attack a youth group.
They opened fire on traders over a parcel of land near the road overpass at the market.
Evidence: A thorough search of the area uncovered two spent shells from G3 and AK-47 rifles, as well as one live 9mm round of ammunition. This evidence indicates that the suspects were armed with high-caliber weapons, including G3 and AK-47 rifles and a 9mm firearm.
Tahiru Sulemana was treated and discharged from the Tamale Teaching Hospital and is now under arrest to assist with the investigation.
Safety: Meanwhile, the police and military have secured the market center, though the suspects were not found at the crime scene.
The prosecution confirmed that all victims are in stable condition and receiving necessary treatment.
The police are actively pursuing the remaining suspects who are still at large while investigations continue.
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