The Koforidua Circuit Court ‘B’ Presided by Her Honour Mercy Adei -Kotei on Tuesday admitted Samuel Kofi Agyei alias Jamalo, 43, a driver of the Member of Parliament for Suhum to bail sum of Ghc80,000 with two sureties.
The accused was discharged at the Koforidua District Court ‘B” Tuesday after the Attorney General filed nolle prosequi to discontinue the case but was rearrested and put before the circuit Court.
The accused pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing harm with an offensive weapon contrary to section 70 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 ( Act 29).
The Lawyer for the accused persons accused the Attorney General of abusing the court processes by filing a motion for Nolle Prosequi at the District Court to discontinue the case when ruling on a bail application was to be heard at the same court on Tuesday.
The defense counsel Sulemana Musah prayed the Circuit court to grant bail to the accused on basis that he has been in detention since his arrest on September 1, 2021. He also said he was struck with stone hence injured therefore needs medical attention.
He argued that the accused person is a driver by profession and a married man living with his children therefore not a flight risk, that, he is eager to stand trial to prove his innocence and clear his name of the allegations and accusations which have implications on his vision to contest a national election.
In opposing the instant application for bail by the Defence counsel, Prosecution stated that the charge against the accused is a second-degree felony, and additionally, there is tension in Suhum which if the accused is granted bail it may lead to reprisal attack.
The prosecution said the main victim in the case has still not recovered that, he has been referred from Suhum government Hospital to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital due to his worsening health condition.
The Presiding Judge Her Honour Mercy Adei Kotei however admitted the accused to bail and adjourned the case to October 8, 2021.
Background
The accused Samuel Kofi Agyei alias Jamalo who allegedly inflicted machete wounds on the NPP communication officer for Lower West Akyem Benard Kwasi Amoani during a violent crash at a funeral was arrested Wednesday, September 1, 2021, after he was accompanied by a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party to turn himself into the Suhum police.
Four persons sustained injuries during clashes between two rival groups of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region at a funeral rite.
The injured including Bernard Kwasi Amoani, 51, a communication officer for lower West Akyem NPP who was inflicted deep knife wound on the forehead were admitted at Suhum Government Hospital.
One of the victims Alexander Odei also suffered a minor injury on the upper lip.
Speaking to Journalists after the bail was granted; the Lawyer for the accused Sulemana Musah said the accused is innocent and that he will prove with video evidence during the trial that the accused never committed the act.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
