Audio By Carbonatix
Seven persons accused of dealing in narcotics have been discharged for lack of evidence.
A circuit court in Accra on Monday freed the suspects, who included Eric Owusu Manu, Kelvin Boateng, and Frank Bruno after prosecution failed to open its case against them.
They had been in custody for more than six weeks following their arrest by state security at the Kotoka International Airport.
The suspects had earlier been granted bail by an
Osu Magistrate's Court, but personnel of the Bureau of National Investigations moved in, in a rambo style to rearrest them. The Magistrate of the court resisted the action resulting in a standoff.
The BNI backed by the deputy Attorney General Ebo Barton Oduro insisted that narcotics offences are non-bailable and questioned the propriety of the decision of the magistrate, Justice Ellen Anokye, to grant the suspects bail.
The magistrate explained there was no justification for the continued remand of the suspects, more so when prosecution appeared not to be ready with its case.
Barton Oduro subsequently filed a nolle-prosequi, rearrested the suspects and hauled them before the Circuit Court for adjudication.
Fuming at the magistrate for granting bail to the suspects, Barton Oduro stated "enough of rights of drug suspects! Ghanaians too have rights".
Six weeks on, the prosecution failed to prove its case against the suspects, forcing the new judge to discharge them.
Counsel for the accused persons, Elis Fordjour told Joy News’ Isreal Laryea, his clients “are free to go home.”
He explained however that the prosecution is free to re-open the case if it so chooses.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana needs national dialogue to end political insult culture — Kpebu
3 minutes -
‘Relax, I’m not contesting you in 2028’ — DVLA CEO tells Zanetor
1 hour -
Insurance sector offers huge job opportunities as Ghana faces actuarial skills shortage — GIU Rector
2 hours -
Newsfile to discuss Ghana Jollof nurse case, cocaine shipment, COVID audit and constitutional reforms
2 hours -
CPP urges Ghanaians to revive Nkrumah’s vision of self-reliance and industrialisation
3 hours -
Bagbin re-inaugurates African Commission of Health and Human Rights Promoters with GH¢100,000 donation
3 hours -
Why Republic Bank is betting big on mortgages
3 hours -
GNPC, Explorco pay condolence visit to Regent of Dagbon, reaffirm commitment to sustainable operations
3 hours -
Western Regional YMCA turns plastic waste into school bags for pupils
4 hours -
Do you have the capacity to investigate narcotic seizure? – Majority questions Minority’s recall of Parliament
4 hours -
Alidu Seidu joins OGC Nice on loan
5 hours -
Thunderstorms, rain expected across several regions this evening – GMet
5 hours -
Ten female entrepreneurs graduate from the Standard Chartered Foundation Women in Tech Accelerator
5 hours -
AUCB invests first Chancellor as stakeholders chart new direction for university
6 hours -
The 4,126-kilometre journey of three African wild dogs
6 hours