…As residents call for fullest prosecution.
A trigger-happy secondary school leaver, Simon Sandow Zanya has been arrested over the gruesome murder of a tricycle operator in Bawku, police sources has said. Simon is said to have stormed Sabongari, a suburb of Bawku on the afternoon hours of July 29, 2021 with an AK 47 riffle and sporadically shot indiscriminately leading to the death of one Mohamme Mahmood.
Simon is said to be at loggerheads with someone in the Sabongari vicinity over a tiny parcel of land. On the said day, a misunderstanding ensued between Simon and the other claimant. In an unprovoked manner, Simon is said to have rushed home only to return with the high volatile riffle.
Simon, who is said to be providing private security (body guard) to the minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture, Hawa Komsom was heard boasting of his bravery at the scene of the shooting. He is mentioned as one of the personal security details of the Hawa Komson and was actively involved in the election-nearing gun shots brouhaha that greeted the now fisheries minister constituency.
Many peace loving residents of Bawku were taken aback at his behavior at a time peace was seen gaining momentum in the unpredictable trouble enclave. “In fact, we were all shocked at the entire issue. It is highly barbaric and condemnable.” A resident told this outlet.
Simon Zanya played a slippery tactics with local police after the gruesome killing of Mohammed until a Bawku district magistrate court issued a warrant of arrest on him. The warrant was eventually wired by the regional police command in a presser signed by ASP David Fianko – Okyere.
Simon hits back at police.
Hours after the Bawku magistrate court issued the warrant for his arrest, Simon Zanya In a displeased posture, countered the warrant in an address-less press release. In the said release, he stated “I am however at great pains with the manner in which it has gone about with the issue under reference because I have a fixed place of abode in Bawku either in my private residence or Zanya family house at North Natinga”.
He furthered that he was prepared to avail himself before the police. A reliable source at the magistrate court disclosed to this outlet that courts don’t issue warrants if the person standing trial cooperates, thus deflating Simon’s claims in the rejoinder.
Interestedly, his hit-back rejoinder was splashed on a Facebook account (Bawku links). An account noted for inciting violence as we as tribal attacks. Handlers of the account are said to be faceless. They have recently used the account to dare local police in the region.
Prominent opinion leaders have express their displeasure over the activities of the group.
Soldiers storm court.
The premises of the Bawku magistrate court was filled with a galaxy of armed soldiers on Monday August 23, when Simon made his first appearance before the court. He was accordingly remanded by the court. His lawyer noted that his presents in court was not to seek bail for his client, adding that the said court has no jurisdiction over the case.
His lawyer, Anthony Namoo told The Herald that his client is a law abiding citizen and that a call from the police was enough for Simon to report himself. “I presented him to the police. His pictures were splashed a crossed. And then we attended to the police invitation”. He however admitted that the police as an institution are oblige in using varied forms of dealing with cases. He noted that his presents in court was not to seek bail for his client, adding that the said court has no jurisdiction over the case.
Upper East Regional police commander DCOP Dr. Sayibu Gariba led a team of law enforcers to the troubled municipality a day after the incident. He was reported to have interacted with relevant institutions and assured them of adequate security.
Local lobbyists and political pressure.
This outlet has learned that local lobbyists, mainly politicians, are said to relentlessly lobbying the powers that be in an attempt to make the ongoing court trial of Simon Zanya to die a natural death. Such moves are synonymous to murder trials.
Many in an interview with this reporter called on authorities to transfer the suspect far away from the area to keep away pressure from local lobbyists.
National Security recruit.
Simon Zanya is said to be one of the numerous party boys who have been recruited into the National security by the present regime. Asked if he can confirm of his client’s recruitment into the National Security, His counsel, Lawyer Anthony Namoo who is also the Upper East Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party responded “I can’t answer to that”.
Operatives of the National Security in recent times have come under bizarre attacks for unwarranted gun fires that resulted in the death of many people. Many have questioned the professionalism of personnel of the operatives relative to weapon handling.
There have been calls by residents of Bawku to have the case tried to its fullest.
Some residents who spoke to this paper noted that proper justice is the surest way to lasting peace.
Intermitted gun shots are appear to be coming a normalcy in the area of late.
Calls placed to the vodafon number of Hawa Komson as well as text messages as of press time went unanswered.
—The Herald
