Sogakope Assemblyman’s murder: One jailed for Life, two get 47 years each
Five years after the gruesome murder of Sogakope Assembly Member Mawutor Adzahli, justice has finally caught up with the perpetrators.
The High Court in Ho has sentenced the prime suspect, 35-year-old mason Richard Adikyere, to life imprisonment for his role in the 2020 attack that left the community reeling.
Two of his accomplices, Emmanuel Hedzro and Stephen Adzibolo, were each handed 47-year prison terms after being found guilty of robbery. All three had denied the charges of robbery and murder but were convicted after a full trial presided over by Justice Daniel Ekow Mensah.
According to the prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Andrews Dodzi Adugu, the robbery was orchestrated by Mr. Hedzro, who informed Mr. Adikyere about a supposed wealthy merchant in Sogakope. Mr. Hedzro later revealed that the target was, in fact, the Assembly Member and helped identify his residence. Mr. Adikyere then mobilized a gang for the deadly mission.
In the early hours of March 1, 2020, the gang—armed with a pump-action gun and pistols—stormed Mr. Adzahli’s home, breaking in with cement blocks. Mr. Adikyere shot the victim three times at close range, killing him instantly. The attackers fled with a significant amount of money. A post-mortem conducted at the Sogakope District Hospital confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
The court had earlier sentenced four other accomplices—Obed Ayornu, Michael Sam, and twin brothers Samuel and Christian Zotorvi—after they struck plea bargains and admitted their roles in the crime. Each received a 15-year jail term.
The suspects were picked up from various locations, including Ashaiman. Investigations revealed Mr. Hedzro used part of his share of the stolen money to buy a motorbike worth GH¢4,800.
The verdict brings an end to a long legal battle and offers a measure of closure to the family and constituents of the late Assembly Member.
