Shatta Wale missing in action at court trial

An Accra Circuit Court has adjourned the case of Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as “Shatta Wale”, a dancehall artiste, and three others to April 19, 2022.

The adjournment was at the instance of the defense.

Mr Jerry Avenogbo, lawyer for Shatta Wale, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that his client was out of the jurisdiction, and he needed to inform the court.

“I officially wrote to inform the court of my client’s inability to be in present,” he said.

Shatta Wale is standing trial with Kojo Owusu Koranteng, aka “Nana Dope,” Eric Ventnor, aka “Gangee” and Iddrisu Yusif for publication of false news.

They have denied the charge and are on bail.

Prosecute Shatta Wale, others now or acquit and discharge them – Lawyers

Lawyers for Shatta Wale and his accomplices, at a previous court hearing, expressed disappointment in the State for unduly delaying the trial of their clients.

The lawyers, Jerry Avenogbor, Andrew Vortia and Samuel Ofori, told the Accra Circuit Court 4 in January 2022, that the accused persons were arrested with speed and aggression and put before the court only for the prosecution to go back to sleep.

Mr. Avenogbor lamented in court that for the past few months, all they do is to come to court for an adjournment.

While Mr. Ofori told the court they were ready for trial and wondered about the delay on the part of the prosecution, Mr. Vortia prayed the court to begin considering an acquittal and discharge of the accused persons.