Family of 38-year-old farmer demands justice after alleged death in immigration custody

They have called on the police to arrest and prosecute those responsible for his death.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh, the deceased’s brother, Richard Banoebuurim, recounted the circumstances that led to Patrick’s death in a recent interview with Daily Guide.

He explained that on March 7, 2025, Patrick, who owned 18 sheep, traveled from their village, Piree-Kaangu, to Naro to meet with a Fulani herdsman.

The herdsman, suspecting that the sheep might have been stolen, called two other men from their village as witnesses.

One of the men identified the sheep as belonging to another villager and ordered Patrick to return the animals to their rightful owner.

After returning the animals, Patrick was taken to the community square, where he was subjected to physical punishment.

“He was made to do some press-ups as his punishment, and our elder brother, who was with him, was asked to return in the evening to take him home. The community members were also asked to leave,” Richard recounted.

However, at 3:00 p.m. that same day, the family was informed that Patrick had died and was asked to retrieve his body.

“So, we went with the police to retrieve the body, which has since been deposited at the Regional Hospital awaiting an autopsy,” he said.

The report further indicated that due to the absence of a police station in the area, communities around Naro often rely on immigration officers stationed at the checkpoint to punish suspected criminals.