A youth activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former parliamentary aspirant, Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, has been released from the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) custody. His release followed high-level engagements between security officials and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Circumstances Leading to Arrest
Kumi was arrested on Friday, May 23, 2025, and charged with publication of false news. The charges stemmed from comments he made on social media and during a radio interview regarding a petition he submitted to President John Dramani Mahama. In the petition, Kumi called for the dissolution of the committee investigating the Chief Justice, citing alleged misconduct by committee members.
Allegations of Misconduct
Specifically, Kumi alleged that Justices Pwamang and Adibu-Asiedu, along with Supreme Court Justice Yonni Kulendi, were seen dining with Thaddeus Sory, counsel for petitioner Daniel Ofori, at Santoku Restaurant in Accra’s Airport Residential Area on May 15, 2025. Kumi claimed the group discussed matters related to the petition, potentially compromising the inquiry’s integrity.
Reaction and Release
Kumi’s supporters argue that his arrest was politically motivated, given the implications for judicial independence and freedom of expression. After Afenyo-Markin’s intervention, Kumi was released unconditionally from NIB custody. The Minority Leader stated, “I pray that democracy prevails. This so-called ‘reset,’ where everyone is being frustrated, harassed, and intimidated using state security to attack citizens, must stop”.
