Prosecution in Ya-Na's murder trial to close case

Wednesday, November 3, 2010 (Page 3)

THE prosecution in the Ya-Na murder case yesterday informed the Accra Fast Track High Court that it would close its case if its witnesses did not avail themselves by Friday, November 5, 2010.
According to a Principal State Attorney, Mr Anthony Atadzi, witnesses who were expected to appear before the court and testify were still in transit in Tamale.
He said a Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of the case called him this morning and informed him that the witnesses were in transit in Tamale and for that reason the prosecution decided to inform the court of the latest development in order not to waste the court's time.
He said even if they (witnesses) had arrived in the course of the court's sitting, it would have been impossible for them to testify yesterday because the prosecution would have to hold conference with them first.
"Whether they come or not, we will humbly let our case rest on Friday," Mr Atadzi informed the court.
Responding to the prosecution's submissions, counsel for the accused persons, Mr Atta Akyea, said he did not blame the Attorney-General's office because it was the police who were supposed to liaise with the prosecution.
He, however, wondered why the witnesses should be in transit when they were supposed to have testified yesterday and added that the defence would pin the prosecution down on its word on Friday.
Mr Akyea also reminded the prosecution that the Constitution placed importance on the liberties of persons standing trial.
The case was accordingly adjourned to Friday, November 5, 2010, by the court, presided over by Mr Justice E. K. Ayebi.
The prosecution has so far called 12 witnesses in the case in which 15 persons are standing trial for playing various roles resulting in the murder of the Ya-Na.
The accused persons are Iddrisu Iddi, alias Mbadugu; Alhaji Baba Abdulai, alias Zohe; Kwame Alhassan, alias Achiri; Mohammed Abdulai, alias Samasama; Sayibu Mohammed; Alhassan Braima and Zakaria Yakubu, alias Zakaria Forest, who is currently on the run.
The rest are Mohammed Habib Tijani, the former District Chief Executive of Yendi; Baba Ibrahim, alias Baba Zey; Alhassan Mohammed, alias Mohammed Cheampon; Mohammed Mustapha; Shani Imoro; Yakubu Yusif, alias Leftee; Hammed Abukari Yussif and Abdul Razak Yussif, alias Nyaa Dagbani.
All the accused persons, except Zakaria Yakubu, have been charged with conspiracy to murder and have pleaded not guilty to the charge. Zakaria has been charged with murder.