E/R: 15 NDC supporters who set EC office ablaze granted bail
The Osino District Court in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern Region has granted bail to 15 supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) accused of burning the Electoral Commission (EC) office at Asuboi in the Ayensuano Constituency.
The unfortunate incident occurred on December 10, 2024, when a group calling itself Ayensuano Concerned Youth protested at the EC office following the declaration of Ida Adwoa Asiedu as the MP-elect for the Ayensuano Constituency.
The office was set ablaze during the unrest by the accused persons.
The suspects, who were arrested by the police and charged with arson, were each granted bail of GH₵20,000 with one surety. The bail was granted by His Worship Salifu Bugri Ayagiba, despite objections from the prosecution.
Prosecuting Detective Chief Inspector Kamal Salifu Gumah opposed the bail, arguing that investigations were ongoing and expressed concerns that the suspects could interfere with the process.
However, counsel for the accused countered, assuring the court that his clients were well-known in the community and would cooperate with legal proceedings.
The court upheld the defence counsel’s plea and granted bail to the suspects.
“The police alleged that some of the NDC members had gone to demolish the EC office at Ayensuano, so we had to come to court to help them and by God’s grace, we have been able to secure bail for them. We will come back to the case on January 14 2025.”
“In as much as they have been granted bail, The court has asked them to report to the Kibi police commander to ensure that they are still available. Everyone was granted 20,000gh bail. All the fifteen people were granted bail today.”
“These are all accusations so the evidence is the only thing that shows they did what they are been accused of, until then it is just a mere accusation. If the police can gather evidence, fine if not, the case will be rubbished,” he added.
The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on January 14, 2025.