Arrest of three arson suspects: NPP alleges witch-hunt

A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, is alleging witch-hunt by the government in the recent arrest of three persons suspected to be behind the market infernos across the country.

Dr. Afriyie-Akoto told Joy News the three suspects currently in police custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters are members of the NPP local chapter in Bawku, but temporary residents in Accra.

He said the suspects have been seeking refuge in Accra as a result of the Bawku conflict.

Deputy Information Minister, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, on Thursday June 20, 2013 announced some people had been arrested following preliminary investigations into the fires that have destroyed many properties.

The deputy information minister declined to give further details of the arrests except to say they were made in Accra and Kumasi.

However, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto explains he suspects foul-play by the government.

Lawyer for the arson suspects, Majid Armandi, told Joy News Yakubu Tahiru, Fatau Ibrahim and Mustafa Adamu are yet to be charged since their arrest on Tuesday June 18, 2013.

The lawyer said if by Monday June 24, 2013 his clients are not sent to Court, he will head to the High Court to seek an order to compel the police to take them to court.