Pooley Killing: The Assailant Must Be Arrested Immediately To Deter Others- Asantehene
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the individual behind the stabbing to death of an Asante Kotoko SC fan at Nsoatre almost two weeks ago.
Wondering why the assailant was still walking free after committing such a heinous crime over an entertaining game like football, the Patron of Porcupines expressed grave concern for the bereaved family.
“The incident is so worrying. Why should this happen in the first place?… A family has lost a young and vibrant man due to someone’s wickedness. No one should lose his life because of a game.”
According to the King, regardless of the exact location where the assailant committed the crime, he must be identified and arrested immediately as a testament to the effectiveness of the country’s laws.
He therefore called for a thorough investigation.
“You premeditate to kill an individual because of a statement he made about causing your relegation? No one should put such authority in his hands to commit such a crime. This shouldn’t have happened. Institute a thorough investigation to arrest the perpetrator. Why hasn’t he been arrested until now? He is still around and yet the law enforcement agencies haven’t gotten him. Arrest him to deter others.”
Otumfuo made these remarks when the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams paid a courtesy visit to him at the Manhyia Palace on February 14, 2025.
It was in response to a solidarity message conveyed on behalf of President Mahama over the tragic incident.
“President Mahama has promised to ensure justice for the deceased football enthusiast. He recognizes that this resulted from past incidents which didn’t get needed attention, encouraging the people to go further. However, the government is fully involved in getting justice for the deceased.”
Stabbing
Ardent Asante Kotoko fan, Frimpong Yaw Francis, popularly known as Nana Pooley, was stabbed to death following the 1-0 defeat to Nsoatreman FC.
This followed a melee that marred the game at Nana Koramansah Park at Nsoatre in the Bono Region on February 2, 2025.
Seven persons have since been arrested in connection with the act including former Employment Minister Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
Crime Scene
Over the weekend, Chairperson of the Safety and Security Committee at the Ghana Football Association (GFA), DCOP Lydia Donkor granted an interview in which she claimed investigations suggested Pooley was not stabbed anywhere near the match venue.
“This unfortunate incident [the fan’s stabbing] didn’t happen inside the stadium. It happened outside, and he was picked by a tricycle and dropped at that section of the stadium,” she is quoted to have said on JoySports.
“I have to say this because there are all kinds of comments about how the police allowed someone to come into the stadium with a knife. Let me mention that the police have a strict search regime.
“At least that is something I discuss with my various commanders, and we insist on it. There’s a strict search regime. When you’re coming into the stadium, we search everybody who is entering.”
These statements have been challenged by eyewitnesses who argue he was stabbed at the entrance of the match venue.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
