Abubakar Yakubu, a prominent Member of the Sunyani East New Patriotic Party Communications Team popularly known as Baba Amando, has been remanded into police custody for a duration of two weeks. This judicial decision follows allegations involving publications that state prosecutors claim constitute from publications on his social media activity .
The court presided over by Justice Joseph Kunsun arrived at the determination to keep the accused in state housing to facilitate a comprehensive forensic investigation into the digital evidence presented by the police.
The prosecution argued that the release of the accused at this stage of the inquiry could potentially jeopardize the integrity of the evidence yet to be gathered. Legal counsel for the accused led by Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, expressed dissatisfaction with the refusal of the bail application.
The defense team argued that the charges leveled against the NPP communicator did not warrant a custodial remand, especially since the accused possesses a fixed place of abode and reliable sureties. The court maintained that the two-week period is necessary for the state to conclude its technical examinations without interference.
Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who has practised at the bar for sixteen years, described the ruling in terms that suggested the independence of the bench had been compromised. He specifically pointed to the conduct of the presiding judge as being indistinguishable from a party supporter involved in the case.
The Member of Parliament remarked that his usual stance is to defend the integrity of the judiciary, nonetheless this specific instance forced a departure from his long standing professional tradition.
He suggested that the ruling appeared to align with external interests rather than the established principles of criminal jurisprudence. “The only difference is that the Judge is not wearing an NDC flag or paraphernalia,” he added.
This statement by the Manhyia South legislator punctuated the frustration felt by the defense team regarding the perceived bias in the courtroom.
Following the adjournment, the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin also addressed the press regarding the procedural steps taken during the hearing. He recounted the interaction between the judge and the prosecutor concerning the timeline for forensic analysis.
According to the Minority Leader, the court accepted the two-week request by the prosecution without sufficient proof that the accused would hinder the ongoing work of the cybercrime unit. The defence has already signaled that it views the detention as a targeted move against Baba Amando.
The party further maintains that the legal system must remain a neutral arbiter in matters involving free expression and digital communication.
Political Figures Allege Travesty Amid Claims Of Judicial Bias
The remand of Abubakar Yakubu has sparked condemnation from high ranking officials of the New Patriotic Party who view the court order as a debased application of the law. Critics of the decision argue that the justice system is being utilized to settle political scores under the guise of investigating cybercrime.
The Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah reiterated that in his entire career he has never seen a situation where the distinction between a judicial officer and a political activist was an outfit. He noted that while the judge wore the traditional wig and gown, the importance of the ruling was a result the aspirations of the opposition party.
As he was being led away by security details, Baba Amando invoked the memory of the late JB Danquah, suggesting that his current predicament is part of a historical struggle for the soul of the country.
He maintained that the current political leadership will eventually account for the actions taken against him as he was re-arrested, barely hours after regaining his freedom from an earlier detention with Abronye DC.
“President Mahama will pay someday. God is greater than him. Yes, God is greater than him. Travesty of Justice has happened. I will be back Godwilling. I shall not die but we will live to testify. We will live indeed in the Glory of God because we are all indeed in the hands of the lord.”
Baba Amando
He further described the court proceedings as a travesty of justice and insisted that his spirit remains unbroken despite the confinement. He further declared that he shall be back to defend his work.
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