An Accra court has fined Abubakari Sadick, popularly known as Cyborg, GH¢24,000 for unlawfully discharging a firearm during a public gathering in the capital, a case that sparked widespread concern after a video of the incident went viral online.
The fine, which amounts to 2,000 penalty units, comes with a default sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment.
Cyborg pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession and use of a firearm, leading the court to convict him and impose the sanction.
The incident gained public attention after footage showed Cyborg firing a gun into the air at a meet-up linked to Nigerian music star Asake.
The act triggered swift action from law enforcement agencies, who described the behaviour as reckless and dangerous, particularly in crowded public spaces.
In delivering its decision, the court noted that celebratory gunfire poses serious risks to innocent bystanders and will not be tolerated, regardless of the occasion or status of those involved.
The offences fall under the Firearms Act, 1962, which criminalises the indiscriminate discharge of weapons, even when a firearm is legally owned.
The Ghana Police Service has consistently warned that firearm licences do not grant permission to fire weapons in public and that offenders face arrest and prosecution.
The case later came up in a light moment during an interaction between President John Dramani Mahama and Asake at a public event.
Asake attempted to plead on Cyborg’s behalf, explaining that the shot was fired in the excitement of the moment. While acknowledging the appeal, the President maintained a firm stance, saying, “The law is the law.”
Asake, who arrived in Ghana days earlier, performed at the AfroFuture Festival during his visit.
