The Bibiani District Court has remanded a pastor, a hairdresser, and one other individual into lawful custody following an alleged attempt to bury a five-month-old baby alive at a refuse dump in Abofrem, near Bibiani. The accused persons, identified as 36-year-old Prophet Richmond Frimpong, 23-year-old Beatrice Agyapongmaa, and Emmanuel Appiah, appeared before the court on charges related to the incident, while an accomplice named Donkor remains at large.

Frimpong and Agyapongmaa, who is the biological mother of the infant, have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Frimpong faces an additional count of attempted murder, while Appiah and the fugitive Donkor have been charged with abetment. Presiding judge Mr. Lord Delvin Essandoh did not take their pleas and denied a bail application submitted by the defense.

According to the prosecution led by Chief Inspector B.O. Agyemang, the rescue occurred on the night of April 10, 2026. A local Unit Committee Member and security guard, Winfred Agbah, received a tip-off at approximately 10:00 P.M. regarding a secret burial taking place at a village refuse dump. Upon arriving at the scene, the complainant reportedly found Frimpong, Appiah, and Donkor with the infant, who was wrapped in cloth and held by Appiah.

Although the suspects claimed the child was already dead, the complainant inspected the baby and discovered the infant was still alive. Despite an alleged attempt by Frimpong to persuade the complainant to let the burial proceed, Mr. Agbah intervened, rescued the child, and took the suspects to the Chief of Abofrem.

Police investigations revealed that Agyapongmaa had sought spiritual help from Frimpong because her child had suffered from an unstable neck since birth. The pastor allegedly labeled the child as "Nsuoba" and directed the mother to provide various ritual items, including schnapps, incense, and a fowl. Following these rituals, Frimpong reportedly assured the mother the baby would die soon. When the child remained alive, the prosecution alleges the parties agreed on "mercy killing" as the best option.

The court heard that Frimpong later declared the baby dead after the mother left the child in his room. Appiah reportedly assisted in confirming the supposed death before the group moved to the dump, where Donkor had already dug a grave.

Following their arrest by the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit, the suspects reportedly admitted to the offense in their caution statements.

In light of the child’s safety, the court ordered the Social Welfare Office to conduct a social enquiry and submit a report within five days to determine if the infant should be moved to a care home.

The case has been adjourned to May 5, 2026, while the police prepare a duplicate docket for the Attorney-General’s Department.