Regional News of Wednesday, 16 July 2003

Source: GNA

Court grants murder suspect bail

Kumasi, July 16, GNA - A Kumasi Circuit Court on Tuesday granted Kwadwo Adomako, standing trial for murder, a 100 million-cedi bail with two sureties.

The accused is standing trial for allegedly murdering Asuma Mohammed, described as his friend over a notebook. He would re-appear on August 8.

Mr Ernest Yao Obimpeh, presiding said it took into consideration the fact that criminal matters of such nature took the Attorney General's Office considerable time to give advice.

The court upheld arguments of the Defence Counsel challenging the authenticity of the facts presented by the prosecutor regarding the age of the accused, ownership of the knife used in the murder and the initiator of the attack that resulted in the death of Mohammed. It also upheld the plea of the Defence Counsel that the continuous stay of the accused in custody would jeopardise his education and future since the charges were yet to be established.

The Judge said the court was convinced that the sureties would ensure that the accused appeared on the adjourned date.

Chief Inspector John K. Afful had told the court that the deceased was in possession of a notebook belonging to the accused.

He said on July 3, the accused went to the deceased to collect his notebook but a misunderstanding ensued between them and the Adomako allegedly stabbed Mohammed in the face, neck and chest resulting in his instant death.