Judge warns state prosecutors over delays in J.B. Danquah murder trial
The Judge presiding over the murder case involving the late Abuakua North legislator J.B. Danquah-Adu, has issued a stern warning to the prosecution over the continuous delay of the case.
Ariet Nsomoah, who expressed worry about the matter, said the undue delay in the commencement of the committal process for the suspects accused of killing J.B. Danquah-Adu is an infringement on the rights of the persons who are currently in the custody of the state.
The prosecution, which includes the Attorney General’s representative, were expected today [Wednesday], to begin the process of moving the case from the District Court to the High Court, where full trial will take place.
They, however, failed to do so due to the unavailability of the representative of the AG.
The murder case involving two suspects, Daniel Asiedu and Vincent Bosso, has recorded a number of setbacks since it began in September 2016, with this being the latest.
The Magistrate warned that he will issue a summons to the AG representative if she fails to appear on the next adjourned date.
The late J.B. Danquah-Adu was stabbed to death on February 9, 2016, at his Shiashie residence in Accra.
Daniel Asiedu, who is the prime suspect, was arrested two days after the incident.
One other person, Vincent Bosso, was also arrested later in connection with the killing. The murder of the former MP shocked many and led to discussions concerning the security of legislators.
The two suspects have been charged with murder and abetment for the killing of the late MP.
Asiedu had earlier said that he went to the MP’s house to steal, but ended up killing him in self-defence during a struggle.
He, however, withdrew these claims and stated that he had gone with the intention of killing the legislator.
Asiedu’s inconsistent story took another turn when he shocked the public after claiming that he was contracted by some elements of the governing New Patriotic Party to kill the late MP.
He further alleged that after his arrest, one of the supposed people who had hired him to assassinate the legislator visited him in detention and promised to reward him handsomely if he (Asiedu) accused members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of rather contracting him to kill Mr Danquah-Adu.
Asiedu also claimed that the supposed visitor promised to cater for all his needs immediately after the NPP won the 2016 elections.
But according to him, after that visit, he had not heard from his “contractors” and was ready to reveal their names.
source: citinewsroom