Ghana trial of suspected arms smugglers resumes, two Nigerians absent

When the case came up at Accra Circuit Court yesterday, only the three Ghanaians, who were arrested during the incidence namely, Kodjo Baffoe, Kofi Aboagye and Kwesi Asamoah were docked.  The Nigerians were neither in court nor were their names mentioned on the case file. The Public Relations Officer, Accra Regional Police, Corporal Kwabena Danso, declined comments when Weekly Trust called him on the phone and sought to know why they were absent.

However it was gathered that the suspects may have been sent back to Nigeria for further investigations. Interpol is said to be fully involved in unravelling the crime and possibly the masterminds. The court session was quite brief. The defence lawyer representing the three defendants, Addo Atuah intimated the judge that the prosecution was not available in court.

Consequently, the matter was adjourned to 12th March, for moving of the Motion on Notice for Bail pending the trial of the accused persons.

The accused persons are facing a two-count charge namely: Conspiracy to commit crime to wit: Unlawful possession of arms and ammunition contrary to section 23(1) AMD 192 of Act 29/60; and Possessing fire arms and ammunition contrary to section 192 Act 19/60. Amosun Samuel Taiwo (35) from Ogun State and Sunday Eze (35) Anambra State and three other Ghanaians were apprehended early in January for allegedly attempting to smuggle arms and ammunitions into Nigeria.

The arms and ammunition, including hordes of cartridges, 10 pump-action guns and 20 double barrelled guns were found in a false compartment under the floor plate of the carrier truck. They were first arraigned at the Accra Circuit Court on 3rd February. The case was adjourned to 14th February, but the matter did not come up on that date. It was subsequently adjourned to yesterday.