Accra March 5, GNA - The Greater Accra Regional Tribunal on Wednesday ordered the arrest of Pastor James Nana Akwasi Agyeman, founder of Shiva Linga Church based in Abidjan for allegedly defiling eight children.

This followed Agyeman's absence in court when the case was called. Agyeman's lawyers however informed the tribunal that their client was on admission at a hospital and produced a letter indicating his admission.

According to Defence counsel, the client who is on a 50,000 bail was taken ill after a publication in one of the dailies.

In a heated argument, Defence counsel said he was not happy about the way the case was being tried in the media and accused the Attorney's General's (A-G) Department of releasing medical reports, which had not been tendered in court to the media.

He contended that the publication was a calculated attempt to put pressure on the court and put his client's case in jeopardy.

Defence Counsel further noted it was untrue that only two witnesses had been called since the case was brought before court on May 16, 2006, adding that so far, four witnesses had testified in the case.

According to the Defence, the A-G's attempt to withdraw the case from the tribunal was attempt to look for a judge who would be in favour of the plaintiff.

The A-G's Department however, said it had nothing to do with the publication, adding that there was no evidence to substantiate the claims.

Following the absence of Agyeman in court, a representative of the A-G prayed for a bench warrant for his arrest and entered Noelle Prosequi to discharge accused on three to eight counts of defilement.

Agyeman is however, being held for two counts of defilement.

The Tribunal noted that the publication had not only embarrassed the court but the parties involved in the case as well and granted the application for the prosecution to withdraw some of the charges. The matter was adjourned to March 13.

The facts of the case was that accused, who is a herbalist, has a prayer group in Accra

According to the prosecution Agyeman resides at Abidjan and in Ghana. In Ghana he lives with the children (victims) in his residence at St John's near Dome in Accra.

Prosecution said the victims aged between three to 12 years were brought from Abidjan to Accra after arrangement had been made with their respective parents to take care of them to provide them with basic necessities of life.

According to the prosecution Agyeman has on several occasions been having sexual intercourse with all the children in turn in his bedroom and bathroom.

In December 2006, a 12-year-old girl who is also a member of the church arrived from Abidjan to spend some holidays with the accused and his household.

Agyeman allegedly defiled her during her stay and when she returned to Abidjan, she revealed her ordeal to the parents of three other children who were staying with the accused.

The other children confirmed the defilement to their parents on phone. Prosecution said two parents came to Ghana and their children confirmed the story.

A report was made to the Police and the victims were issued forms for medical examination.

The medical examinations revealed that the children had been defiled.