Alhaji Seidu Abagre, also known as Naa Sheriga Kulga II, has pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges after being arraigned before the High Court in Accra on Monday.
The 78-year-old retired teacher is facing charges of acting as a chief without qualification, provocation of riot, offensive conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and fighting with weapons. The state alleges that he unlawfully held himself out as the Bawku Na Ba and played a role in instigating violence connected to the long-running Kusasi–Mamprusi conflict in the Upper East Region.
According to prosecutors, Alhaji Abagre’s claim to the Bawku skin stems from his selection by the overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom to act as Bawku Na Ba. However, this claim was rejected during a mediation process led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The mediation report affirmed Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II as the legitimate Bawku Na Ba.
Following the mediation, Alhaji Abagre was reportedly directed to either leave Bawku or remain in the town strictly in the capacity of a private citizen. The prosecution contends that efforts to enforce this directive were unsuccessful.
In the brief facts presented to the court, the state alleges that violence in the area escalated in December 2025, resulting in multiple deaths and unlawful harm to several hundred people. Prosecutors link this renewed violence to actions allegedly associated with the accused.
Alhaji Abagre was arrested on December 24, 2025, in the wake of the reported surge in violence. He has remained in custody since his arrest and was formally brought before the High Court on January 19, 2026.
The case is expected to continue as the court considers the charges and the prosecution’s evidence in relation to the Bawku chieftaincy dispute.
