Crime & Punishment of Saturday, 21 June 2014

Source: Daily Guide

Obinim in hospital

The trial of Bishop Daniel Obinim, founder of Godsway International Ministry and his two associate pastors, Kingsley Baah and Kofi Akwetey by an Accra High Court, was yesterday adjourned.

That was after Ralph Poku Adusei, counsel for Obinim, had told the court presided over by Justice Abdulai Iddrisu, that his client was unwell and had been sent to the Police Hospital, where he was responding to treatment.

The court was subsequently given a copy of the medical report signed by a doctor as to what was wrong with the bishop.

The trial judge consequently had the case adjourned to July 17, 2014.

Bishop Obinim and the two have been charged with unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage, causing harm, conspiracy to commit assault, assault and three additional counts of vandalising property belonging to Hot FM, an

Accra-based radio station, after allegedly assaulting the panellists.

Transmitters and amplifiers valued at Ghc130,580, were among the items that were purportedly vandalised.

They have denied any wrongdoing and have been granted bail in the sum of Ghc10,000 with two sureties.

Kwame Ntim Katakyie, host of the programme, ‘Nya Asem Hwe’ had concluded his examination-in-chief and was being cross-examined by counsel for Obinim.

He told the court that Obinim held a crowbar and tried to hit him (Ntim Katakyie) and in an attempt to grab it, he was overpowered and was hit by the bishop.

According to him, he had to seek treatment abroad as a result, and was expected to bring along with him documents of his purported visit to Nice in France, as evidence to support of his claim.

Shadrack Adu, producer of the programme, was the first to testify in the case, but he later failed to appear to be cross-examined and so his evidence had to be expunged.