The Bongo District Court has remanded nine individuals in police custody for their alleged involvement in attempting to lynch 61-year-old Ayidaana Abotisei in the Adaboya community in the Upper East Region, over accusations of witchcraft.

Among the accused are pastors and several community members who reportedly subjected Mrs. Abotisei to a traumatic ordeal.

On Monday, 29 July 2024, the accused took Mrs. Abotisei to a fetish priest to prove her innocence against witchcraft allegations.

The incident came to light when Mrs. Abotisei’s children, who reside outside the community, were informed and promptly reported the matter to the Bongo police, leading to the arrest of six suspects.

However, six other suspects managed to escape.

Aduko Joseph Azubire, Mrs. Abotisei's son, lodged a complaint with the police.

Following this, some community members threatened to kill him for reporting the incident.

Aduko reported these threats, resulting in the arrest of three more individuals, while one suspect remains at large.

After being arraigned before the court on Friday, 2 August 2024, all accused denied their involvement in the witchcraft accusation and sought bail.

However, the state prosecutor, Chief Inspector Victor Quarshie, argued against granting bail. He stated that the police are still investigating to apprehend the remaining suspects, and granting bail would hinder their efforts.

Presiding Judge His Worship Mawukoenya Nutekpor ordered the remand of the accused, scheduling their next court appearance for Thursday, 15 August 2024.

Following the court hearing, Aduko Joseph Azubire expressed his family’s desire for justice for their mother.

"We want justice for our mother. This ordeal has brought great distress to our family,” he stated.