The National Council of Fulbe Chiefs and Congress of Fulbe Communities has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for an independent investigation into the death of Nasiru Abdul Rahman following a police operation in the Upper West Region.
The petition, dated August 14, 2026, and signed by Alhaji Seidu Bukari, also calls for an independent autopsy and the preservation of Mr Rahman’s body until the exercise is conducted.
The petition concerns Mr Rahman’s death and the arrest of five other persons during a police operation in the Wa West District and Wa Municipality. It also raises concerns over public descriptions of the suspects and the subsequent promotion of four police officers who were involved in the operation.
According to the petition, investigations into the incident and an autopsy are still ongoing, while the case involving the five suspects is pending before the court.
The Fulbe chiefs have, therefore, urged the IGP to institute an independent investigation, authorise an independent autopsy and ensure that the body remains preserved until the exercise is completed.
They also called for police commands to be guided against making public statements that could prejudice suspects whose cases are pending before the courts.
The petitioners expressed concern over alleged descriptions of the five suspects as armed robbers and members of a syndicate, arguing that such characterisations could undermine their rights before the court determines their guilt.
According to the Upper West Regional Police account cited in the petition, Mr Rahman was being transported on a motorbike to a location where a vehicle was expected to convey him to the police station when he allegedly struggled with the rider and fell.
Police said he attempted to escape but was re-arrested. At the station, he reportedly complained of chest pains and was taken to the Upper West Regional Hospital, where he died on arrival.
The petitioners noted that they supported efforts by the Ghana Police Service to combat crime but insisted that such efforts must be conducted within the principles of justice and due process.
They also called for the protection of the five suspects’ rights and urged the police to avoid collectively stereotyping the Fulbe community.
The petition was copied to several state institutions, including the Minister for the Interior, the CID Director, the National Security Coordinator, CHRAJ and the Upper West Regional Minister.
FROM NAZIRU ALHASSAN, WA
Follow our WhFollow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
atsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
