An Accra Circuit Court has fined Abubakari Sadick, popularly known as Cyborg, GH¢24,000 for unlawfully discharging a firearm during a public gathering in Accra.
The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, showed Cyborg firing a gun into the air in excitement at a meet-up involving Nigerian music star Asake, shortly after the artiste arrived in Ghana for the AfroFuture Festival. What began as celebration soon escalated into a serious legal matter.
What Happened in Court
Cyborg pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and unlawfully using a firearm. The court consequently fined him 2,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢24,000.
The presiding judge made it clear that failure to pay the fine would result in up to two years’ imprisonment.
In delivering its ruling, the court emphasized that celebratory gunfire is a dangerous act that endangers lives, regardless of the intent behind it. The judge stressed that even if a firearm is legally owned, it must never be discharged in public spaces.
The offence falls under Ghana’s Firearms Act, 1962 (Act 118), which strictly prohibits the public use of firearms without lawful justification. The court reiterated that having a gun license does not grant permission to fire it in public—under any circumstance.
Asake’s Plea and Presidential Response
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, President John Mahama addressed the issue after musician Asake, during a separate encounter with him, attempted to plead on Cyborg’s behalf. Asake reportedly cited excitement as the cause of the incident.
President Mahama, however, stated firmly that due process would be followed, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the rule of law and public safety.
The case has since reignited conversations around firearm safety, celebrity influence, and accountability at public events in Ghana.
