Police in Tamale have arrested a man identified as Fuseini Sorku, popularly known as “Fuzzy,” in connection with the alleged assault of Yussif Abdul-Hakim at his residence.
The arrest follows a public call by the Savannah Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which had earlier urged the police to apprehend the suspect and ensure he faces justice.
According to sources in Damongo, the two men had been involved in a prolonged disagreement on social media. The sources allege that Mr. Sorku travelled from Damongo to Tamale, where he allegedly attacked Abdul-Hakim at his home before returning to Damongo.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Tamale Police Command, which is said to have referred the case to the Savannah Regional Police Command for further action. The suspect was later arrested in Tamale after being spotted in the area.
Some residents in Damongo have, however, raised concerns about the handling of the case, suggesting that earlier intervention could have prevented tensions in the community.
“I don’t know whether institutions are no longer working or what, because if the police in Damongo had arrested Fuzzy, we would have been spared all the political noise in town,” said resident Yahaya Bakari.
Another resident, Abibata Amantana, also expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, saying law enforcement should act swiftly to prevent escalation.
“The police are supposed to prevent incidents, not wait until the worst happens. I’m disappointed, to say the least,” she said.
A source at the Tamale Metropolitan Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told JoyNews that after his arrest, the suspect was taken to the scene of the alleged incident before being returned to the police station.
He has since been provisionally charged with assault, causing damage to property, and theft. According to the source, the complainant alleges that the suspect made away with a mobile phone, an iPad, and an unspecified amount of money after the incident.
Police have granted Mr. Sorku enquiry bail as investigations continue. Authorities say several witnesses, including two women, have already provided statements to assist the probe.
Confirming the arrest, Savannah Regional NPP Secretary Issah Mohammed said the party’s concern goes beyond apprehension, stressing the need for full investigation and prosecution.
“We did not just call for his arrest. The next steps are investigation and prosecution. Once the case goes to court, evidence will be presented and the law will take its course,” he said.
Meanwhile, NPP presidential aspirant Dr. Clifford A. Braimah has called on political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could heighten tensions, warning that today’s actions may have future consequences.