In a high-profile case that has captured national attention, a hairdresser accused of making threats against Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, and the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court. The accused, Yayra Abiwu — popularly known as AY — faces charges of abetment of crime, threat of death, and knowingly making a communication containing a threat of death via electronic means. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Bail Conditions and Court Proceedings
On Wednesday, Yayra Abiwu was notably absent from court due to health concerns, reportedly collapsing and being admitted to the Police Hospital. Despite her absence, the court proceeded to grant her bail in the sum of GH¢150,000 with stringent conditions. These include three sureties, two of whom must be gainfully employed. Additionally, she is required to deposit her passport with the court registry and report to the police every Monday.
Her legal counsel, Mr. Enoch Anhwere Afoakwah, argued vehemently for bail, emphasizing that his client posed no flight risk. He highlighted that Yayra has a fixed place of residence, no prior criminal record, and had already surrendered her mobile phones for forensic examination. Mr. Afoakwah stressed that bail should not serve as a form of punishment but rather as a mechanism to ensure her availability for trial.
Allegations and Evidence
The allegations stem from a live-streamed TikTok discussion in August 2025, during which abusive and offensive remarks were directed at Sammy Gyamfi, a political figure. The conversation reportedly escalated into threats against President Mahama and the First Lady. According to the prosecution, Yayra Abiwu, along with two others — Prince Ofori and Alberta Okrah — actively participated in the broadcast. The group allegedly made statements such as: “We will kill the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and kill him again, in a plane. We will make sure we kill that Mahama.”
Prosecutor ASP Emmanuel Haligah opposed Yayra’s bail application, citing the gravity of the threats made against the nation's highest officeholders. He told the court that there was undisputed video evidence showing Yayra making direct threats to “kill the President.” The prosecution also claimed that Alberta Okrah and Prince Ofori, as hosts of the live session, knowingly permitted their platform to be used for disseminating offensive and threatening statements.
Co-Accused and Developments
Prince Ofori — alias Fante Comedy — who appeared in court separately on Wednesday, also pleaded not guilty to charges of offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace and knowingly permitting an electronic communication service to be used for offensive communication. Ofori was granted bail of GH¢100,000 with similar conditions requiring three sureties and weekly reporting to the police.
The third suspect in the case, Alberta Okrah — known by her alias Ghana Jollof — remains at large. Authorities are actively working to locate her.
Next Steps
Yayra Abiwu and Prince Ofori are expected to reappear in court on August 25, 2025. As the case unfolds, it continues to raise critical questions about the responsible use of social media platforms and the legal ramifications of online speech in Ghana.
Implications for Free Speech and Accountability
This case serves as a stark reminder of the balance between free speech and accountability in digital spaces. While social media platforms provide avenues for expression and discourse, they also carry risks when used irresponsibly or maliciously. The allegations against Yayra Abiwu and her co-accused underscore the importance of adhering to ethical standards when engaging in public conversations online.
As Ghana awaits further developments in this case, it is clear that the judicial system is taking the matter seriously. The outcome may set important precedents for how threats and offensive communication are handled in the context of digital media.
Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold.
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Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
