Family of Slain Patrick Banoebuuri in the Upper West Region Calls for Justice as Case Remains Unresolved

Slain Patrick Banoebuure

The family of Patrick Banoebuuri, who was tragically killed at the Naro Immigration checkpoint on March 7, 2025, has issued a heartfelt appeal to authorities for swift justice. The family, led by the deceased’s elder brother Richard Banoebuuri, is calling on the Wa Magistrate Court, the Upper West Police Command, and the Office of the Attorney General to expedite proceedings and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.

Patrick Banoebuuri, 38, was reportedly subjected to severe assault by four immigration officers stationed at the Nadowli-Kaleo District border post. According to court documents and eyewitness accounts, the officers — Senior Inspector Adjei Boadi Philip, aged 36; AICO II Abdulai Rawuf Abubakar, 22; AICO II Nkrumah Alex, 33; and AICO II Philip Oppong, 28 — allegedly received Patrick in good health after arresting him over alleged sheep theft. However, during a brutal “Beatings ” , Patrick died, with autopsy reports confirming that his death resulted from unnatural causes due to severe beatings. The back and buttocks of the deceased was mutilated as a result of the assault.

The family’s frustration is mounting as they observe ongoing delays in the legal process. The suspects first appeared in court on March 11, 2025, and were initially remanded into police custody until March 17. On that day, two civilian suspects from Naro were granted bail, and the four immigration officers were released into immigration custody, with no immediate charges filed against them. Since then, subsequent court sessions, including a hearing on April 10, have been adjourned, with the case still under investigation. The family reports that the CID in charge of the case claimed investigations had been completed and the docket forwarded to the Attorney General’s office, yet no charges have been filed.

“This delay is unacceptable,” Richard Banoebuuri declared. “Two months have passed, and our brother’s killers are still free, walking around as if nothing happened. We hear rumors of efforts to compromise the case, and that worries us deeply. Justice must be seen to be done, especially in a society where injustice can lead to more violence.”

The family fears that the slow pace of justice and possible interference threaten to undermine public trust. They are demanding that the authorities prioritize the case, charge the suspects officially, and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

When contacted for an update, Corporal Rashid Abdulai of the Upper West Police Public Affairs Unit confirmed that the investigation had been completed and the case docket forwarded to the Attorney General for legal advice.

Upper West Regional State Attorney

Upper West Regional State Attorney Lawyer Saeed Abdul Shakur also verified receipt of the docket but explained that he had forwarded it for legal review. He attributed the recent court absence of the prosecuting lawyer to illness, providing medical evidence to substantiate his claim.

“The office remains committed to ensuring justice prevails,” Lawyer Shakur assured. “We have assigned one of our best prosecutors to handle this case, and we will pursue it diligently until justice is served.”

The Wa Magistrate Court has adjourned the case to May 20, 2025, for further hearing. Meanwhile, the family and the entire Piree community await the day when justice for Patrick Banoebuuri will be fully realized.

A copy of the autopsy report obtained by Info Radio confirmed that the deceased died from “unnatural causes” resulting from severe assault. Court records reveal that Patrick was arrested following an alleged sheep theft of 18 sheep, with 14 retrieved and the suspect released. However, the subsequent treatment at the hands of the immigration officers led to his untimely death.

As the community mourns and the family continues their quest for justice, many are calling for greater accountability within law enforcement agencies to prevent such tragedies from recurring. The case remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice and systemic reform to protect citizens from abuse and injustice.