Bawku Chieftaincy Row: Alhaji Seidu Abagre Remanded in NIB Custody
Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who claimed to be the Bawku Naba, has been remanded in the custody of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) over allegations of acting as a chief without qualification. The development is the latest twist in the long-standing chieftaincy dispute in Bawku, Upper East Region.
According to GHOne News, Abagre was arrested and detained by state security agencies on December 24, 2025, following recommendations from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is leading a high-level mediation exercise to resolve the conflict. The Nayiri of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga II, had installed Abagre as the Bawku Naba, an action deemed flawed by the Otumfuo committee set up to resolve the dispute.
The committee has recommended Abagre’s recall to Nalerigu, the capital of the North East Region, to be reassigned another role. Abagre’s lawyer, Martin Kpebu, has expressed concern over his client’s detention, stating that he has not seen Abagre for two and a half weeks and that requests for access have been repeatedly refused by security agencies.
The Bawku chieftaincy dispute is a complex issue, with roots in historical, ethnic, and political factors. The conflict is primarily between the Mamprusi and Kusasi ethnic groups in the Bawku Traditional Area, with each side claiming legitimacy to the throne.
A High Court in Accra has ordered the Attorney-General’s Department to file a comprehensive report on the justification for Abagre’s continued detention by January 21, 2026. The court will review the state’s report and decide the next steps regarding Abagre’s liberty on January 26, 2026.
The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited, with implications for the fragile peace in the Upper East Region.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
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