Lawyers for dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, and the three others standing trial, have expressed disappointment in the State for unduly delaying the trial of their clients.
The lawyers, Jerry Avenogbor, Andrew Vortia, and Samuel Ofori, told the Accra Circuit Court 4 that the accused persons were arrested with “speed and aggression and put before the court only for the prosecution to go back to sleep”.
Mr. Avenogbor lamented in court on Tuesday, 25th January 2022, that for the past three months, all they do is to come to court for an adjournment.
Mr. Ofori speaking, told the court they were ready for trial and wondered why there is a delay on the part of the Prosecution.
Mr. Vortia then prayed the court to start considering an acquittal and discharge of the accused persons.
The Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Denis Terkpetey Esq., in response, accused the lawyers of violating a “gentleman’s agreement” on the matter.
According to the Prosecutor, the parties were accordingly expected to collaborate in the arrest of another suspect in the matter. However, the lawyers have since failed to cooperate with the State in that regard, the prosecutor disclosed.
Chief Inspector Terkpetey told the court that the State would resort to every means available to it in arresting the said suspect. The Prosecutor is seeking the sister of Shatta Wale, who is said to be the person who reported the incident of the alleged fake gunshot to the East Legon Police, to assist with investigations.
However, Mr. Avenorgbo, counsel for Shatta Wale, argued that the architecture of the law existed before now and the prosecution team cannot have it changed. He wondered why a person who volunteered information to the police should be treated as a suspect. This, according to counsel, will put fear in people who have information and want to report to the Police. He urged the court, as a matter of urgency, to commence the trial within next week.
In his response to that prayer, the Prosecutor said: “it is our case and he[Shatta Wale] cannot determine how we should do our case”.
The Prosecutor further noted, “We were in your chambers [Judge] and we agreed on a gentleman agreement and they have failed to do what is right”.
The court, presided over His Honour, Emmanuel Essandoh subsequently adjourned the case to February 15, 2022.
Charges
Shatta Wale is facing one charge of the Publication of false news that caused fear and panic in the public domain.
Three others who appeared with him, Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Shatta’s personal assistant; Eric Vanetor, a graphic designer; and Iddrisu Yussif, a beautician were charged for abetment of criminal publication of false news. They have all pleaded not guilty and were admitted to GH₵ 100, 000 each with sureties who should be a public servant.
At the previous court sitting on December 7, 2021, the Prosecutor, Chief Inspector Dennis Terkpetey, told the court that one more suspect is being pursued. He prayed the court to urge counsel for the accused persons to produce the said suspect to help the police.
Jerry Avenorgbo, counsel for the accused persons then requested for in-camera hearing which was agreed.
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