The protracted chieftaincy dispute in Bawku has taken a significant legal turn after an Accra High Court declined to grant bail to 79-year-old retired educationist, Alhaji Seidu Abagre, who is standing trial over several criminal allegations connected to the conflict.

Alhaji Abagre, who was taken out of Bawku on December 24, 2025, following recommendations contained in a mediation report led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is facing four criminal charges. These include unlawfully presenting himself as a chief, in violation of the Chieftaincy Act, as well as charges of inciting riot, engaging in conduct likely to disturb public peace, and participating in armed fighting. He has denied all the accusations.

During proceedings on Monday, his lawyer, Martin Kpebu, urged the court to release his client on bail, arguing that his continued incarceration violated constitutional safeguards. He contended that Abagre had been kept in custody for nearly four weeks without being properly informed of the grounds for his arrest, contrary to Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution.

Counsel further described the charges as minor offences that attract relatively short sentences and maintained that his client posed no risk of absconding. He told the court that Abagre has a permanent residence in Bawku, strong family ties, and individuals willing to guarantee his appearance in court. The defence also referenced a habeas corpus application filed on January 5, 2026, and expressed concern about the accused’s deteriorating health, noting his frailty and difficulty in walking.

Opposing the application, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai argued that Abagre’s detention was lawful and sanctioned by a court order. He added that the accused had unhindered access to both his family and legal representatives.

The prosecution placed strong emphasis on security considerations, describing the case as one with serious implications for public safety. According to the state, the volatile situation in Bawku remains fragile, and granting bail could worsen tensions and jeopardise peace efforts not only in the Upper East Region but nationwide.

After considering submissions from both sides, the presiding judge, Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, rejected the bail request, agreeing with the prosecution that security and public order concerns outweighed the defence’s arguments.

The court, however, directed the Attorney-General’s office to ensure that Abagre is treated humanely while in custody and provided with adequate medical care. Prosecutors were also instructed to file all necessary disclosures before the next sitting.

The case has been adjourned to February 2, 2026, as legal proceedings linked to the Bawku chieftaincy conflict continue to attract intense public and political interest.