The MP’s driver Samuel Kofi Agyei was given an GHC80,000 bail with two sureties
The driver of the Member of Parliament for Suhum Samuel Kofi Agyei alias Jamalo, 43, has been admitted to Ghc80,000 bail with two sureties by the Koforidua Circuit Court ‘B’ Presided by Her Honour Mercy Adei-Kotei on Tuesday.
The accused pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing harm with offensive weapon contrary to section 70 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The defence counsel Sulemana Musah prayed the court to grant the accused person bail on basis that he was struck with stone hence injured therefore needs medical attention.
He argued that the accused person is a driver by profession and a married man living with his children therefore not a flight risk, that, he is eager to stand trial to prove his innocence and clear his name of the allegations and accusations which has implications on his vision to contest a national election.
He accused the Attorney General of abusing the court processes by filling motion for Nolle Prosequi at the District Court to discontinue the case when ruling on a bail application was to be held at the same court today.
In opposing to the instant application for bail by the Defence counsel, Prosecution stated that the charge pressed against the accused is a second-degree felony, and additionally, there is tension in Suhum which if the accused is granted bail it may lead to reprisal attack.
Prosecution said the victim has referred from Suhum government Hospital to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital due to worsening health condition.
The Presiding Judge Her Honour Mercy Adei Kotei however admitted the accused to bail and adjourned the case of October 8, 2021.
Background
The accused Samuel Kofi Agyei alias Jamalo who allegedly inflicted machete wounds on the NPP communication officer for Lower West Akyem Benard Kwasi Amoani during a violent clash at a funeral was arrested Wednesday, September 1, 2021, after he was accompanied by a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party to turn himself into the Suhum police.
Four persons sustained injuries during clashes between two rival groups of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region at a funeral rite.
The injured including Bernard Kwasi Amoani, 51, a communication officer for lower West Akyem NPP who was inflicted deep knife wound on the forehead were admitted at Suhum government Hospital.
One of the victims Alexander Odei also suffered a minor injury on the upper lip.
The chaos was triggered when Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as Protozoa and some party communicators and Serial Callers attended the funeral of the late father of one of the communicators identified as Opare on Saturday, August 28, 2021.
While at the funeral, the Member of Parliament and his entourage led by the Constituency chairman Frederick Ofosu also arrived.
At that material moment, we were left with no option than to ask for permission to leave the funeral grounds for other equally important engagements. Our Spokesperson was therefore asked to seek permission for us to leave the funeral grounds. Upon seeking permission, our spokesperson expressed our deepest displeasure and dismay by the position of the Suhum MP and his team to disrespect hardworking grassroot communicators of our dear party in that denigrating manner.
In the process of reiterating our displeasure, disappointment and resentment on the position of the MP, our Spokesperson was forcibly attacked by a mob of supporters of the MP who manhandled him in an uncharitable manner.”
The driver of the MP Kofi Agyei alias Jamalo allegedly pulled a machete to struck the forehead of victim Benard Kwasi Amoani.
“These despicable individuals also turned their attention to innocent leading members of the Eastern Regional Grassroot Communication’s Team of the NPP in an attempt to rescue our Spokesperson from harm. In the process, the driver of the MP grabbed a Machete from the vehicle of the MP and slashed the forehead of our colleague Bernard Kwasi Amoani, who was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.”
Later in the day, Charles Gyasi, Suhum Constituency Youth Organizer accompanied by Martin Odei and Ernest Lartey, all executive members of the NPP went to the Suhum Police station to report the incident.
Police together with complainants proceeded to Suhum Government Hospital where victim Kwasi Amoani was seen at the Emergency ward under stable conditions responding to treatment.
Nolle Prosequi by AG
The Attorney General filed a motion for nolle prosequi at the District Court on Tuesday.
The Eastern Regional State Attorney Emily Addo-Kyereh argued during the maiden appearance in Magistrate court that the nature of the offence comes with severe punishment and therefore the accused may not avail himself to stand trial when admitted to bail.
The Presiding Judge His Worship Eric Daning asked the counsel on both sides to approach the bench.
Subsequently, the Magistrate court Judge adjourned the case to Tuesday, 7th September 2021, for the ruling on the bail application.
However, on Tuesday, it was revealed that AG has filed motion to discontinue the case at the Magistrate court.
The suspect was discharged but re-arrested to face fresh charges at the circuit Court.