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The Asokwa Circuit Court has remanded the Suame NDC youth organizer Razak Koampa Avoliya, into police custody.
Koampa, aka ‘Mosquito’, turned himself in after he was declared wanted by the police after he was captured in a viral video threatening mayhem and inciting violence ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The 32-year-old has been charged with offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace as stated in Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, (Act 29).
Push for bail
The prosecution prayed the court to remand the suspect in custody while investigations continue.
“The accused person’s action could plunge the country into chaos and anarchy especially when he had admitted in his caution statement that he authored those words”, State Prosecutor ACP Kofi Blagodzi argued in court adding: “The suspect could interfere with police investigations and that is why we brought him here to pray for a remand so we won’t be in conflict with the 48-hour deadline…”
But the argument was opposed by lawyers for the accused person as they pushed for his release.
“The suspect willingly turned himself in [after he was declared wanted]”, Razak’s lawyer Evans Amankwah said. “Clearly this is a law-abiding citizen who is ready to avail himself anytime the court needs him. He also has men of substance including myself to stand as surety for him as part of bail conditions”…
By court
The bail application was however refused by Fred Obikyere’s Court and consequently remanded the suspect into police custody. The court cited among others the national security implications. The case has been adjourned to February 14.
His plea was not taken.
Supporters go wild
The court’s order did not sit well with the supporters of the NDC. The unhappy crowd chanted party and patriotic songs to vent their anger.
“We will sleep here until he is released”, one of the supporters said. “Even known faces within the NPP have made similar statements have been left off the hook, we shall see what will happen in 2024”.
“We are just sick and tired of this harassment”, another said. This intimidation must stop under this government”.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH