COKE SWAPPING CASE, TRIAL BEGINS APRIL20, AS POLICE CONCLUDE INVESTIGATION

By Felix Engsalige Nyaaba

The trial prosecution in the case involving DSP Gifty Mawuenyega yesterday told the Circuit Court hearing the case that, investigation has concluded and trials would commence by the next adjourn date with two prosecution witness ready to testify in the case.

Mr. Rexford Anthony Wiredu, a principal state Attorney, prosecuting said it was the state that brought the accused to court for trial and that anything that the state would do to assist in getting the truth of the matter was paramount.

He further told the court presided over by Miss Audrey Korcuvie-Tay,  that there was no time limit in trying criminal matters and that at the right time the state would prove to the court that the accused was indeed guilty of the crime.

However, the defence counsel led by MR. E.A Vordoagu objected to the prosecution request and said, it has been two months since the accused was arrested and the prosecution could not lay any evidence to put in their case that was why the state kept on asking for more time.

He said the continues request of time by the prosecution was a clear indication that, the accused has no any case to answer,  but has been persecuted than prosecuted and prayed the court to exercise its discretional powers over the matter.

The defence further threatens that, if by the next adjourned date the state prosecution failed to prosecute the matter, the defence would have no option than to put in a submission of no case.

But the state Attorney counter that argument, saying that  that would rather worsen the accused plight, because in his view she could be rearrested upon discharged.

Mr. Wiredu asked the defence to rather prepare adequately to meet the prosecution in court to battle for their client and stop put her live in danger, saying it was the state that brought her to court and would determine when and how to prosecute the accused.

The presiding judge, Miss Korcuvie-Tay, therefore adjourned the case to April 20, this year by which the prosecution would be ready with their witness.

DSP Mawuenyega Tehoda faces one count for abetment of crime, to wit undertaking an activity relating to narcotic drugs.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge and is currently on bail in the sum of GHC100, 000 with two sureties, one to be justified granted by an Accra Fast Track High Court after the Circuit Court had earlier denied her bail.

DSP Tehoda who had since been interdicted by the police administration following the case against her, was accompanied by her Husband and some family members as well as friends and sympathizers.