Coup plotters denied bail

By Justice Dzido On Nov 11, 2019

Senior State Attorney, Hilda Craig, has opposed a bail application by the seven accused persons facing trial for their alleged plot to topple the government.

Explaining why the suspects should be denied bail, she maintained that some of them are serving officers of the armed forces and could interfere with investigations since the state’s witnesses include soldiers.

She told the court that the state does not trust that they will show up in court to stand trial if granted bail.

Reacting to this, Judge Justice George Buadi said, none of the accused persons had been detained beyond two months and their arrest and detention are not arbitrary or unlawful.

He further added that the accused persons have the capacity to interfere with investigations if released. The Judge cited an example of how Junior Officers managed to stage a coup in the country.

“I shall refuse their application on this grounds and their applications are hereby refused,” the court said.

Lawyers of the accused persons filed the application praying the court for bail for them pending trial.

The accused persons as captured on the charge sheet of the State are Fredrick Yao Mac-Palm, Donyo Kafui A.K.A Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu a.k.a Bright Alan Yeboah, Col. Samuel Kodzo Gameli, and Gershong Akpah.

The rest are W.O.2 Esther Saan Dekuwine, Cpl. Seidu Abubakari, L/Cpl. Ali Solomon and L/Cpl. Sylvester Akanpewon.

The nine (9) accused persons have been charged with four counts of Conspiracy to commit crime namely Treason Felony contrary to section 23 (1) and 182 (b) of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Treason Felony contrary to section 182 (b) of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Conspiracy to commit crime namely Possession of Explosives, Arms and Ammunition without lawful excuse contrary to section 192 (1) of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Possession of Explosives, Arms and Ammunition without lawful excuse contrary to section 192 (1) of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).