The mother of three siblings wrongfully arrested and paraded as suspects in the recent killing of a mobile money vendor in Kumasi is demanding a public apology from the police.
Madam Mary Kyei says her children, who had no involvement in the crime, have suffered public ridicule and job losses after being falsely linked to the case. “My sons were arrested for no wrongdoing, yet they were treated like criminals,” she lamented.
According to Madam Kyei, two of her sons were picked up at their home while police were arresting a tenant in connection with the murder.
“We heard noise from the room I rented to a young man, so I went to check. The police were arresting the tenant, and my son followed me. The officers told him to go back and sleep, but when he stepped outside again, they arrested him. His older brother came to ask why, and he was also arrested,” she explained.
The third sibling was detained when he went to the police station to inquire about his brothers’ arrest.
Madam Kyei sought help from the Deputy Regional Police Commander, who, after hearing her account, ordered the immediate release of her sons. However, by then, their pictures and videos had already gone viral, leading to stigmatization from neighbors.
“People now look at them as murderers,” she said, adding that two of her sons have lost their jobs as a result.
“One is a driver, but his car owner took the vehicle back, fearing he could be a target. My other son, who worked with an alcohol distribution company, was also sacked after his release,” she added.
The family is demanding a public apology from the police to help clear their names and minimize the damage caused by the wrongful arrest. “They must correct this mistake. My children have suffered enough,” Madam Kyei insisted.
