Afenyo-Markin questions police over Abronye’s detention in NIB custody

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the decision by the Ghana Police Service to place NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), despite the case being classified as a misdemeanour.

Speaking to journalists at the Accra Circuit Court on Friday, September 12, Afenyo-Markin recounted the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

“On Monday, September 8, the police invited Abronye. He complied, appeared with his lawyers, and submitted to interrogation. Yet, within an hour, he was transferred to NIB custody,” he revealed.

The Minority Leader questioned the legal basis for the transfer.

“Why would the police, who are investigating a minor offence and have their own holding facilities, send a suspect to the NIB — an agency not even involved in the case?” he asked.

According to Afenyo-Markin, checks with the NIB confirmed that they were not interrogating or investigating Abronye.

“They told us they were simply holding him at the request of the police. That raises a troubling question: is this lawful detention or a form of punishment?”

He further criticised the handling of the case in court.

“After detaining him overnight, he was brought to court on Tuesday, September 9. Shockingly, the police asked for more time for investigation and requested that he be remanded again. The judge granted the request,” he said.

Prominent NPP figures, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, and former National Chairman Freddie Blay, were also present at the court to show support for Abronye.

The arrest and continued detention have sparked controversy, with critics calling it a clear overreach in a case that does not warrant such heavy-handed treatment.