Both Afoko and Asabke faced allegations of conspiring to commit the murder of Mr. Adams Mahama in May 2015. Justice Marie-Louise Simmons, who presided over the trial, cited multiple reasons for their discharge, including numerous adjournments, the absence of some jury members, and the failure of the prosecution to appear in court.
The accused had appeared before Justice Simmons for a third trial on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. The second trial had ended in a hung jury, prompting the need for a fresh trial.
The trial, based on a Bill of Indictment filed on March 22, 2019, commenced last year. The accused entered their pleas, a new jury was empaneled, and several witnesses testified early in the trial. Some witnesses were later discharged, with the prosecution indicating their intention to call additional witnesses.
However, the court recalled that proceedings slowed after six adjournments requested by the Attorney-General’s office, which was to make a decision on the case. The judge also noted the repeated inconvenience and financial costs incurred, including payments to jurors for each court appearance.
On December 1, 2025, marking the seventh or eighth adjournment, no prosecutor appeared to provide court updates. Additionally, only five of the seven-member jury were present. In light of these circumstances, the judge ruled: “I will discharge the accused persons, and the accused persons are accordingly discharged.” The jury was discharged as well.
Earlier, on February 21, 2025, the court granted Afoko bail in the sum of GH₵500,000.00 (five hundred thousand ghana cedis only) after he had spent nearly nine years on remand awaiting trial.
Afoko and Asabke were accused of allegedly pouring acid on Mr. Adams Mahama on May 20, 2015, which resulted in his death.
GBUSS
No comments:
Post a Comment