Twenty-one suspects arrested by the Northern Regional Counter-Terrorism Unit’s Special Operations Team were arraigned in Tamale Circuit Court on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The accused persons face charges including the use of narcotic drugs without lawful authority, possession of narcotic drugs, and the prohibited sale of restricted drugs.

Five of the accused pleaded guilty, with one, Mahama Iddris, convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

The court deferred sentencing for the remaining four.

A statement signed by the Regional Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Alhassan Luckman Niendow, said sixteen of the accused persons pleaded not guilty and were remanded into prison custody.

The four who pleaded guilty but are yet to be sentenced were also remanded by the court.

The case has been adjourned to March 24, 2026.