An Accra Circuit Court has refused to grant bail to the ten accused persons in the Kwabenya Police Station attack after applications filed by their lawyers.
The Court presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh instead resorted to expeditious trial issuing a stern warning not to tolerate any excuses from both prosecution and defense lawyers.
On Wednesday, February 7, Counsel for the 4th accused person, Bernard Owiredu filed an application for bail.
The application was, however, moved on Tuesday, February 13 after which counsels for the 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th accused persons made oral applications, praying the court to grant their clients bail.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, insisting the accused persons if granted bail would not avail themselves for trial.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Tandoh said he had considered that Section 96(7) of Act 30 has been repealed making all offences bailable.
He observed that the critical issue is whether the accused persons will avail themselves for trial if granted bail. If not, bail must be refused.
He maintained that in the matter before the court, the accused persons were alleged to have rescued as well as escaped lawful custody.
Justice Aboagye Tandoh said the liberty of some individuals could be curtailed for their own protection as well as the community’s.
Meanwhile, counsel for the 4th accused and female amongst the ten accused persons expressed his disappointment with the court’s decision to refuse bail and hinted of heading to the High Court for bail.
The ten are standing trial for breaking jail on Sunday, January 21 in a move that led to the shooting to death of Kwabenya police officer Emmanuel Ashilevi, who is expected to be buried on Saturday, March 3.
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