Soldier remanded in custody over death of man at Mawugbedzibe; court to reconvene August 2026

The Ashaiman District Court has remanded Warrant Officer Class II Dzisenu Ben, a 43-year-old soldier, into police custody pending trial for the alleged murder of Abdul Shaban, 45, who died from a gunshot wound at Mawugbedzibe near Afienya in August 2025.

Presiding Judge Derick Parden Eshun ordered that WOII Dzisenu remain in police custody, with the case adjourned to 27 August 2026. The accused has been charged under Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), though his plea was not taken during his initial appearance.

What happened at the disputed location

According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Henry Tetteh Nartey, the incident occurred on property at Mawugbedzibe belonging to WOII Dzisenu and WOI Yamoah Mark, both stationed at the Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) at Michel Camp. The two soldiers reported the matter to Afienya Police Station on 23 August 2025.

The prosecution's case rests on the soldiers' account that an unidentified man attacked WOII Dzisenu and attempted to seize his M16 rifle. In response, the soldier allegedly discharged the weapon, striking the attacker. Police later recovered the rifle (serial number 000470-11) along with its magazine and ammunition for forensic examination.

When officers attended the scene, Shaban was found dead on the ground with a suspected gunshot wound to the upper chest near the neck. His body was conveyed to Tema General Hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.

Autopsy findings and forensic evidence

Dr Eric Dumfeh, a pathologist at Tema General Hospital, conducted the post-mortem examination and determined that Shaban died from a perforating gunshot wound to the heart. The pathologist's report noted that the wound characteristics were consistent with a near-contact, angled gunshot fired from a position higher than the victim.

A bullet was recovered from the deceased's body and submitted to the Police Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis to determine whether it was fired from the recovered rifle. Both soldiers provided written statements to investigators in the presence of an independent witness.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case touches on significant questions about the use of force by military personnel and accountability within Ghana's Armed Forces. The involvement of soldiers stationed at a military ammunition depot—a sensitive facility—adds complexity to an already serious matter. The case will likely be closely watched as it tests the judicial system's ability to handle cases involving military personnel fairly and transparently, particularly when civilian deaths are involved.

The detailed forensic work and the Attorney-General's involvement in reviewing the case before formal charges were filed suggest that authorities are taking the matter seriously. However, the lengthy adjournment to August 2026 means the case will remain in the courts for an extended period. WOII Dzisenu is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the court will need to determine whether his account of self-defence during an armed robbery attempt is credible or whether the evidence supports a murder conviction.