A Circuit Court in Accra has ordered the detention of a self-identified religious figure after he was accused of threatening his wife’s life.
Imam Mohammed Lanson Abubakar, aged 44, who also goes by the name Andre, pleaded not guilty to the charges but was held in custody as he had previously skipped a police bail.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer informed the court, overseen by Mr. Isaac Addo, that Abubakar’s failure to comply with an earlier bail had hindered the investigation and raised concerns about his likelihood of appearing for trial if granted bail.
The court questioned his absence on March 27, 2024, when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest due to his non-appearance.
Abubakar was remanded to aid in the ongoing investigation and is scheduled to return to court on September 2, 2024.
According to Chief Inspector Lawer, the complainant, Maimuna Sarki Abubakar, is a Nigerian social worker living in the UK. Abubakar, who is a self-styled Imam and businessman from Kumasi, was previously married to Maimuna.
The two met through social media, where Abubakar presented himself as an Imam and convinced Maimuna to marry him.
Following their marriage, Maimuna purchased a plot of land in East Trassaco and constructed a house, which she furnished before returning to the UK. She would stay at the property when visiting Ghana.
In 2020, Abubakar persuaded Maimuna to buy and ship two vehicles—a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2019 Infinity CPX—to Ghana.
He claimed he would sell the vehicles and use the proceeds to purchase a parcel of land in Adjiringanor for her. Instead, Abubakar used the funds to acquire four plots of land in Adjiringanor.
Later, the marriage deteriorated, and Abubakar threatened her during one of their disagreements, stating, “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.”
In a bid for bail, Abubakar’s attorney argued that her client had not violated his bail conditions, asserting that he had traveled and did not make any threats against Maimuna.
The court was informed that the couple is in the process of divorce proceedings at the Adentan Court.
The lawyer emphasized that Abubakar is a responsible individual with a stable residence and assured the court of his commitment to attending the trial.
