Man before court for killing half-brother over inheritance

Tamale (Northern Region), 18 February 2000

Abu Shaibu, a trader who conspired and killed his half-brother, Mr. Ibrahim Shaibu, over the inheritance of their late father's estate has appeared before a Tamale High Court.

Abu pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to murder and murdering and was granted a five million cedis bail to be justified. He would reappear on February 29.

His accomplice Abu Sadik, who is also his brother, is on the run.

Mr. Anthony Rexford Wiredu, State Attorney, told the crowded court presided by Mr. Justice R. T. Aninakwah, that upon the death of their father in 1985, Ibrahim returned from abroad and was elected by the elders as the successor to their late father's estate.

Relations between Ibrahim and his brothers got strained after he accused them of stealing his personal items.

On December 14, 1996, Ibrahim retired to his room for a nap after attending a victory procession of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

While he was asleep the two brothers sneaked into his room and stole his personal belongings.

An eyewitness to the stealing became suspicious and went to Ibrahim's room only to find him lying dead on the floor.

The case was reported to the Police and when the body was inspected there were scratches on his neck with the neck bone broken.

When Abu was arrested he confessed to stealing from his brother's room but denied involvement in his murder but Sadik managed to escape.

A pathologist's report indicated that death was caused by asphyxia from strangulation.

GRi