Court remands 31 alleged secessionists
Thirty–one alleged members of a separatist group that caused mayhem by blocking major entry points in the Volta Region and attacking security personnel last Friday have been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court.
The alleged members which include a female were arraigned Monday on provisional charges of attending a meeting of a prohibited organisation, conspiracy, participating in a campaign of a prohibited organisation and rioting.
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They were subsequently remanded by the court, presided over by Ms Rosemary Baah Tosu, into the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) to assist with investigations.
This follows a request by the prosecution lead by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Sylvester Asare.
Alleged secessionists
The alleged secessionists include Rejoice Amankwah , Noah Ahiatrogah, Mohammed Abdullai, Daniel Gbetornyeku, Raymond Adeya, David Eze, Jeffery Fiave, Luis Nyadzinyo, Ernest Kpevu, Ebenezer Kwamega, Simon Lavoe, Sylvester Komena Nyadzinyo and Bless Klutse.
Other are William Amernorho, Ernest Seke, George Adababu, Dennis Amevor, Sheboebornu Sena, Nelson Bobie
The rest are Samuel Gbolomor, Nelson Amoah, Divine Seddoh, Abiwu Felix, Albert Ahiable, Agbemenya Dotse, George Akwetsi, Duwoe Philip, Mawulolo Aboble, Alolo Amemor, Edem Amevor and Callib Atsuanyealor
Plea not taken
The pleas of the 31 persons were not taken due to the fact that they were sent to the Circuit Court for a remand order and also to meet the constitutional requirement that enjoins the state to produce suspects before court within 48 hours after their arrest.
Also, their pleas were not taken because the Circuit Court did not have jurisdiction.
“In fulfillment of the jurisdictional requirement, the pleas of the accused should not be taken. We are here for them to be remanded for investigations to continue,” ASP Asare said.
Defence’s response
In response, counsel for the accused persons, Mr Theophilus Donkor, prayed the court to grant his clients bail.
According to him, the police had breached the constitutional requirement of 48 hours because his clients were arrested on Friday and therefore per a recent Supreme Court ruling, 48 hours means 48 hours.
He further argued that the fact that the accused persons had been provisionally charged did not meant that they had to be automatically denied bail
“Once they are before this court, your honour has jurisdiction to grant them bail,” counsel argued
Ruling
The presiding judge, however, upheld the arguments of the prosecution and held that she was minded to remand the accused in the public interest to assist with investigations.
“They are remanded in BNI custody. Prosecution must ensure that the accused persons have access to their lawyers and relatives,” she ruled.
Hearing continues on October 13
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Mayhem
Last Friday, fear and confusion swept through the Volta Region when hundreds of members of the secessionist group, singing liberation songs, and holding miniature flags blocked entry points to the region.
For hours, no vehicle could enter or leave the region, leaving commuters stranded behind the blockades.
A member of the group was shot dead and three others injured in fierce exchanges of gunfire with security forces, while 31 others were arrested at various locations in the insurgency which lasted for about six hours.
A policeman was also wounded and was rushed to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
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