The family of 38-year-old farmer Patrick Banoebuuri, who allegedly died at the hands of immigration officers stationed at the Naro checkpoint in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, is calling on the police to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
While acknowledging that no punishment could bring back their loved one, they believe that justice would help ease their pain and loss. However, they fear that because immigration officers are involved, justice may not be served.
Incident Details
Patrick Banoebuuri, a father of four, was accused of stealing 18 sheep from a resident of Piree-Kaangu. Community members handed him over to immigration officers for disciplinary action. However, just four hours later, the family received a call to collect his body—he had reportedly died in their custody.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2025, around 3 p.m. in Naro, a community within the Nadowli-Kaleo District. Due to the absence of a nearby police station, surrounding communities often relied on immigration officers to punish suspected criminals.
Events Leading to His Death
According to Patrick’s brother, Richard Banoebuuri, on March 6, 2025, Patrick took 18 sheep from their village, Piree-Kaangu, to Naro, intending to meet a Fulani herdsman. The herdsman, suspecting the animals were stolen, called witnesses from Piree-Kaangu.
One of the witnesses identified the sheep as belonging to a man from the village, leading community members to order Patrick to return the animals. After retrieving them, he was brought to the village square, where his fate was debated. Some suggested flogging him and letting him go, while others insisted on handing him over to immigration officers for punishment. The latter option was chosen.
At the checkpoint around 11 a.m., Patrick was reportedly ordered to perform press-ups as punishment. His elder brother, who accompanied him, was told to return in the evening to collect him.
However, by 3 p.m., the family received a call from the immigration officers informing them of Patrick’s death and instructing them to retrieve his body.
Allegations of Torture
Suspecting foul play, the family reported the case to the police, who accompanied them to collect the body, now at the Regional Hospital awaiting autopsy.
According to Richard Banoebuuri, visible injuries on Patrick’s body suggested severe torture. He described deep cuts on his back, peeled skin on his buttocks, and other signs of brutal treatment, saying, “Our brother was mutilated.”
Police Investigation
Upper West Regional Crime Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Reynolds Manteaw, confirmed that the police are investigating the case and have made some arrests. He stated that the suspects would soon be processed for court but declined to disclose further details, as the case is ongoing.
Source: Graphic Online
