Afenyo-Markin slams Circuit Court judge over remand of NPP’s Baba Amando
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly criticised the handling of proceedings involving Sunyani East Communication Officer of the New Patriotic Party, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, following his two-week remand by an Accra Circuit Court.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, April 14, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned the conduct of the presiding judge, describing the decision as improper and raising concerns about judicial fairness in the matter.
He, however, commended the Ghana Police Service for what he described as a professional handling of the arrest and investigation process.
“I want to commend the Ghana Police Service that, for nothing at all, they have demonstrated professionalism. I will commend the IGP, the Director-General of CID, and the police prosecutors, as well as the police detectives; they have been professional.
“But that judge, the Circuit Court judge, shame on him. He has brought a big shame onto himself and the judiciary,” he said.
According to him, the prosecution had indicated that they were not seeking a remand but rather required time to conduct forensic examinations, particularly because the matter involved alleged social media publications.
He explained that the police, as part of their surveillance operations, picked up the post in question, invited the suspect for interrogation, took his statements, and subsequently released him within the constitutionally permitted 48-hour period.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further argued that during court proceedings, the prosecution did not request remand but left the decision to the discretion of the court, insisting that the judge instead pressed the prosecution to apply for remand, a request they reportedly declined.
Abubakar Yakubu was picked up on Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of investigations into allegations of offensive conduct, false publication, and the circulation of statements likely to incite fear and panic.
While formal charges are yet to be announced, sources indicate the arrest may be linked to alleged threats directed at a judge at the Adentan Circuit Court, a development that has triggered concern within legal and governance circles.
