An Accra Circuit Court presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah has discharged two of the 23 persons accused of engaging in vigilante activities, rioting with weapons and causing unlawful damage at James Town in Accra.
The two persons – Prince Bruce Quaye and Dr Albert Botchway – were alleged to have gone into hiding to avoid prosecution, and by which a bench warrant was issued for their arrest.
The court discharged Prince Quaye and Dr Albert Botchway upon a prayer by their Counsel that the prosecution didn’t level any charges against them to warrant the order for their arrest.
The court also granted the other accused persons bail, in the sum of GH¢50,000.00 with one surety who must be a family.
The 21 remaining accused persons standing trial are; Nii Dodoo, 90, Solomon Adjei, 37, William Baah, 24, Yaw Takye, 22, Musah Mutala, 23, Promise Lamptey, 28, Emmanuel Kofi Amponsah Afari, 27, Benjamin Stephens, 29, Nii Akuntuah Kojo, 70 and Acquah Marvin.
The rest are Barnabas Akwasi, 22, Davis Williams, 44, Agyekum William, 36, Yakubu Anthony, 23, Osmanu Fuseini, 34, Emmanuel Akron, 45, Fred Addie, 46, Shadrach Tetteh, 37, Ernest Mills, 27, Logosu John 29 AND Samuel Agboyi, 32.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges and the case has been adjourned to January 30.
Brief  facts
Prosecuting Officer for the case, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Maxwell Oppong said there had been a protracted chieftaincy dispute between Nii Ahumah Kojo and Prince Ashiaku Bruce Quaye, a self-Style chief at the Jamestown Ngleshie paramountcy.
He said on January 15, 2023 Prince Ashiaku Bruce Quaye claimed he has secured a judgement from the court, which grants him access to the Palace.
To achieve his aim, the court was told that Bruce allegedly contracted Dr. Albert Botchway to organise thugs for him to take over the Ngleshie Alata Palace at Jamestown, popularly known as Mantse Agbona.
Dr. Albert Botchway, on behalf of Bruce, allegedly recruited the accused persons herein, and armed them with cutlasses and guns.
He said the accused persons, clad in white T-Shirt with the picture of Prince Ashiaku Bruce Quaye embossed on it, invaded the Ngleshie Alata Community at Jamestown.
The prosecutor stated that without any cause, the accused persons unlawfully entered the drinking spots of Benedicta Dadzie and Harrison Odametey, took alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and began throwing them on the street and at the occupants of the palace.
The accused persons also set fire to two Royal Motorbikes belonging to Oko and Atter, all witnesses in the case and a Toyota Corolla with registration number BA 88-22, which the owner is yet to be identified.
The police were called before calm was restored to the palace, however, in the process, some of the accused persons were arrested.
ASP Oppong indicated that a search conducted on Nii Dodoo revealed an offensive weapon, a Jong knife styled like a walking stick. The police also retrieved a machete from the scene.
On the same day, Sunday, January 15, 2023, the police arrested Shadrach Tetteh and Fred Addae on board a Kia Morning car with DV number 7965 E at a security check point at the Korle-Bu.
He informed the court that the police identified Shadrach and Fred as suspects, escaping from the scene at James Town.
The prosecutor said when a search was conducted on Fred Addae, the police revealed one pump action gun, live cartridges and one empty ammunition.
