The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects for allegedly engaging in extortion, assault, stealing and impersonating a police anti-illegal drug operation team in Tamale.
According to a police statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the suspects are believed to be members of a group popularly known as “Faako.”
The suspects have been identified as Hardi Tajudeen, 24; Lukman Iddrisu, 42; Abdul Rauf Alhassan, 36; Muntala Mohammed, 41; Somed Abdul Rahaman, also known as Bikorkor, 47; and Nasiru Alhassan, also known as Gbarigbari, 49.
Police said the arrests followed a complaint filed by a victim, who alleged that members of the group stormed his residence on July 6, searched the premises, seized suspected tramadol, confiscated his unregistered Yamaha motorbike worth GH¢42,000 and took GH¢28,000 in cash.
The complainant further alleged that he was handcuffed, taken to the group’s office at Aboabo, unlawfully detained, assaulted and threatened with being handed over to the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team unless he complied with their demands.
He also claimed the group demanded GH¢15,000 before releasing his motorbike.
Acting on the complaint, officers from the Police Red Maria anti-illegal drug team accompanied the complainant to the location, where they recovered GH¢12,273, the motorbike and six sachets of Royal Fort 250mg tramadol.
Police said the recovered items have been retained as exhibits, while the suspects have been granted police enquiry bail to assist with investigations.
The Northern Regional Police Command also warned that some individuals are falsely using the name “Red Maria” to intimidate and extort members of the public.
The command clarified that Red Maria is an official police anti-illegal drug unit and does not work with any private groups.
Police urged anyone who has experienced similar acts of intimidation, extortion or unlawful detention by persons claiming links to Red Maria or any police unit to report the matter for investigation.
See the police report below:
