Obinim case adjourned to November 28
The Accra High Court, yesterday adjourned to November 28, 2013, the criminal case involving the leader of God’s Way International Ministry, Bishop Daniel Obinim, and two of his associate pastors for allegedly causing harm and destruction of the property of a private radio station in Accra.
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The court, presided over by Mr Juistice Abdulai Iddrisu, adjourned the case due to the absence of a prosecution witness in court.
According to a State Prosecutor, Ms Joyce Debrah, the witness was absent due to medical reasons.
The court also granted Bishop Obinim’s application to change his lawyers.
Bishop Obinim had earlier been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 with one surety.
He and his two associates, Kingsley Baah and Kofi Akwettey, are charged with eight counts including the use of offensive weapon and causing harm to two journalists at an Accra-based radio station, Hot FM.
The two associate pastors were each granted GH¢10,000 bail with one surety each.
They have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bishop Obinim and his associates were discharged by the Accra Circuit Court three weeks ago after the Attorney-General filed a nolle-prosequi in the assault case against them.
They were, however, rearrested by the police.
The accused persons were initially facing five charges of conspiracy to commit crime, unlawful entry, causing damage to a private property and assault.
Damages caused by the accused persons to the equipment at Hot FM studios, according to the prosecution, were estimated at GH¢138,050.
The items destroyed included a voice processor, Telos Hybria, two CD players, head phone distributor, telephone sets, laptops and electro voice microphone, among others.
The accused persons, on Monday, August 8, 2011, allegedly stormed the studios of Hot FM and attacked Paul Kwame Ntim Okatakyie, the host of ‘Nya Asem Hwe’ programme and a panel member, Shadrach Adu.
One of the topics being discussed on the programme at the time was the alleged sex scandal involving Bishop Obinim.
According to the prosecution, in the course of the discussion, Bishop Obinim’s alleged tape recording about the issue was played on air and issues about his wife and his pastors were also discussed.
Bishop Obinim and his accomplices, who were offended by the said discussion, allegedly stormed the Adabraka-based radio station with a crowbar and sticks. He allegedly attacked the staff, vandalised studio equipment and injured the host and other panellists, including Rev. William Amoako-Atta.
Prior to filing the nolle-prosequi, the state had called three witnesses including Paul Kwame Ntim Okatakyie and Frank Boateng Danso.
Daily Graphic/Ghana
A version of this article appears in print on November 7, 2013, on page 20 of the Daily Graphic with the headline: Obinim case adjourned to November 28