A soldier stationed in the Upper East Region has been charged for allegedly aiding in the theft of cattle at Binduri, near Bawku.
Private Blessing Owusu Marfo, who is attached to the 11 Mechanized Battalion at Abilba Barracks in Bolgatanga, is facing one count of abetment to commit crime and one count of stealing. He is currently at large.
The case was heard at Circuit Court 6 in Accra, presided over by His Honour Kwabena Kodua Obiri-Yeboah. When the matter was called, only the first accused, Sabali Issaka, was present in court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The court granted Issaka bail in the sum of GH¢30,000 with two sureties, who must all be his cousins. The prosecution, led by DSP Emmanuel Nyamekye, was directed to file all disclosures. The case has been adjourned to March 13, 2026.
Charges
According to the charge sheet, Private Marfo faces one count of abetment to commit crime, namely stealing, contrary to Sections 23(1) and 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Prosecutors allege that on December 30, 2025, at Binduri, he agreed with others to pursue a common purpose to steal cattle.
On a second count of stealing, contrary to Section 124(1) of Act 29, both Issaka, 32, and Private Marfo are accused of dishonestly appropriating five cattle belonging to Anaba Maxwell and Akudango Avam.
Prosecution’s Case
Presenting the facts, the prosecution said the complainants — Anaba Maxwell, a teacher, and Akudango Avam, a farmer — are residents of Binduri, near Bawku.
On December 30, 2025, the complainants sent about 20 cattle to graze near the Binduri Dam. However, upon their return later that day, five of the animals were missing.
A search party was organised, but initial efforts to locate the missing cattle proved unsuccessful.
On January 4, 2026, the complainants reportedly received information that police officers at the Kabore Checkpoint had intercepted a KIA truck with registration number GR 4851-X loaded with suspected stolen cattle.
The vehicle was escorted to the Zebilla Police Station for further investigations. At the station, the complainants identified five of the retrieved cattle as their missing animals.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Sabali Issaka for his alleged involvement in the offence.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend Private Marfo.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
