An Accra Circuit Court has remanded a self-proclaimed religious leader, Imam Mohammed Lanson Abubakar, also known as Andre, into police custody for allegedly threatening to kill his wife. Abubakar, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charge but was detained after the prosecution revealed that he had previously skipped a police inquiry bail, raising concerns that he might not appear for trial if granted bail.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer informed the Court, presided over by Mr. Isaac Addo, that the police had been unable to conclude their investigation due to Abubakar’s evasion of the earlier bail conditions. The Court also inquired about Abubakar’s whereabouts on March 27, 2024, when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. As a result, the Court remanded him to assist the police in their ongoing investigation, with instructions to bring him back on September 2, 2024.
According to Police Chief Inspector Lawer, the complainant, Maimuna Sarki Abubakar, is a social worker and Nigerian citizen residing in the United Kingdom. She is also Abubakar’s estranged wife. The couple met online, where Abubakar presented himself as an Imam and persuaded Maimuna to marry him, which she eventually did.
Prior to their separation, Maimuna purchased a plot of land in East Trassaco from Abubakar and built a one-story house on it. The prosecution stated that she furnished the house and stayed there with Abubakar whenever she visited Ghana.
In 2020, Abubakar convinced Maimuna to purchase and ship two vehicles—a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2019 Infiniti QX60—to him in Ghana. He claimed he would sell the vehicles and use the proceeds to buy a parcel of land in Adjiringanor for her. Maimuna complied, and Abubakar used the money to acquire four plots of land in Adjiringanor.
However, the marriage deteriorated, and during a heated argument, Abubakar allegedly threatened her, saying, “I have scammed you; I am taking over your building and all your property here in Ghana, including your daughter. If you dare get closer to this property again, I will kill you.”
Abubakar’s counsel argued for bail, stating that her client did not jump bail and did not threaten Maimuna as alleged. She added that they are currently seeking a divorce at the Adentan Court and emphasized that Abubakar is a responsible family man with a fixed place of residence, assuring that he would be available for trial.
Daily News Gh 