The Tamale Magistrates Court has remanded into prison custody five accused persons who were arrested at Kpatinga in the Gushegu Municipality of the Northern Region for their alleged involvement in a clash between supporters of two chieftaincy aspirants.
The clashes at Kpatinga led to the death of one person. Several others were injured while more than twenty houses were burnt.
The five persons have been charged on three separate counts, including possession of firearms without authority, rioting with weapons and conspiracy to cause damage.
Counsel for the accused persons prayed the court to grant the suspects bail but the court declined his plea indicating it has no jurisdiction to grant bail, under section 192 of the Criminal and other offenses Act.
Four of the five persons have been remanded to reappear on February 11. While the remaining suspect, 55-year-old Mahamadu Dogurugu, has been given February 6 to appear before the court based on a plea from the defense counsel that the suspect looked feable and staying on remand for a long period will affect his health.
The court presided over by Amadu Yussif further urged the prosecution to provide an exit plan on the case since it has no jurisdiction over it.
