Lawyer for the 31 suspects arrested in connection with the revolt that ensued in the Volta Region last Friday said his clients are victims of wrongful arrest.
Theophilus Donkor said the persons had no hand in the unrest which resulted in the death of one person during which roads were blocked impeding free flow of traffic in and out of the region.
The suspects are alleged to be members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF) secessionists, who had also attacked the Aveyime and Mepe police stations in the North Tongu District demanding that the region be an autonomous country known as Western Togoland.
They have been slapped with five charges by state prosecutors at an Accra Circuit court on Monday.
The charges relate to conspiracy to commit crime, namely to attend a meeting of the prohibited organisation, to participate in a campaign of a prohibited organisation and rioting with weapons.
Their pleas were not taken as state prosecutor ASP Sylvester Asare informed the court the state wants them remanded into custody to aid investigations.
But speaking on Joy FM's Top Story, the lawyer argued that many of the persons in police custody were oblivious of the happening when they were picked up.
He told Evans Mensah that some of them were going about their normal duties at the time the security operations were conducted.
“These 31 persons that are before the court have never had any relationship with the secessionists and nobody has contacted them.
"Some of them do not even know that the exists a group such as Western Togoland or a secessionist group like that exists because they are illiterates , some are lay persons,” he said.
He revealed that “the only lady among them was 19 years who is an apprentice going about her normal duties when she was apprehended.”
Lawyer for the accused persons made an application for bail but this was rejected by the court.
They are to re-appear in court on October 13.
Latest Stories
-
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
2 hours -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
2 hours -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
2 hours -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
2 hours -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
2 hours -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
4 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
4 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
4 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
6 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
7 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
7 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
7 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
7 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
7 hours