The investigation into the murder of Francis Frimpong, a staunch supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has taken a significant step forward with the arrest of four additional suspects, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to seven. These new arrests signal a broadening of the investigation’s scope and a concerted effort by law enforcement to uncover the full extent of the circumstances surrounding Frimpong’s tragic demise. Those recently apprehended include Isaac Ofosu, Augustine Yeboah, Elizabeth Ntiriwaa, known by the alias “Akosua Black Chinese,” and an additional female suspect whose identity remains undisclosed pending further investigation. This development underscores the complexity of the case and the likelihood of multiple individuals playing various roles in the events that led to the fatal incident.
Following their arrest, the four new suspects were promptly brought before a Circuit Court and remanded into police custody until Monday, February 10, 2025. This initial court appearance served primarily as a procedural step to formally inform the suspects of the allegations against them and to ensure their continued detention while investigators gather further evidence. Three of the four are expected to reappear before the court on Monday, February 17, 2025, indicating a planned continuation of legal proceedings against them. The specific charges against these new suspects remain undisclosed, but their connection to the case suggests potential involvement in the violent clashes that resulted in Frimpong’s death.
The arrests follow the earlier detention of three individuals already facing charges related to the incident: Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, owner of Nsoatreman FC and former Minister of Employment and Labour Relations; Joseph Kyeremeh; and Agyemang Duah Owusu, a police inspector. These three individuals appeared before the Sunyani District Court ‘B,’ where Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh were each granted bail of GHC 500,000 with three sureties. They are charged with abetment to commit a crime, specifically murder, under Sections 20(1) and 46 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29). This suggests that while they are not accused of directly committing the murder, they are alleged to have played a role in inciting or facilitating the actions that led to Frimpong’s death.
In contrast to Baffour-Awuah and Kyeremeh, police inspector Owusu faces a more serious charge of murder and remains in police custody. This distinction highlights the varying degrees of alleged involvement among the suspects. Owusu’s position as a police officer raises questions about his potential role in the events, particularly regarding the maintenance of order and security during and after the football match. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on determining the specific actions of each individual and establishing the chain of events that culminated in Frimpong’s death.
The tragic incident unfolded in the aftermath of a tense Ghana Premier League Match Day 19 fixture between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at the Nana Koramansah Park. The match itself was marked by heated exchanges on the field, culminating in a 1-0 victory for the home team, Nsoatreman FC, and the issuing of four red cards to players from both sides. This suggests a highly charged atmosphere within the stadium even before the events that transpired after the final whistle. The defeat for Asante Kotoko, combined with the on-field tensions, appears to have fueled the volatile situation that escalated into violence among rival supporters outside the stadium.
The post-match violence, which ultimately claimed Frimpong’s life, underscores the dangers of football-related hooliganism and the importance of ensuring adequate security measures at sporting events. The ongoing investigation will likely examine the security arrangements in place at the Nana Koramansah Park and assess whether any lapses contributed to the escalation of violence. The case also highlights the wider issue of fan violence in football and the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of such incidents. The arrests and ongoing legal proceedings represent a crucial step towards justice for Francis Frimpong and send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in football-related violence. The investigation will continue to unravel the complex events of that day, seeking to hold accountable all those responsible for the tragic loss of life.
