Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has justified his decision to walk out of an Accra High Court on Thursday, October 23, after Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei denied his request for an adjournment.
Addressing journalists, Mr. Atta Akyea explained that his legal team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to bar Justice Nyantei from presiding over the case, alleging bias.
He said the High Court should have paused proceedings until the Supreme Court ruled on the motion.
“I had filed a motion at the Supreme Court asking that the judge be prohibited from handling the matter because we do not believe justice will be served. I informed the court and requested an adjournment until the Supreme Court decides. The judge declined and insisted on proceeding,” he told reporters.
The former Works and Housing Minister questioned the urgency with which the trial was being pushed forward, describing the judge’s approach as unnecessary haste.
“Why the rush? Why can’t the judge wait for a week for the Supreme Court’s decision before continuing?” he asked.
In court earlier, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah had opposed the adjournment request, arguing that there was no legal reason to suspend the trial.
Justice Nyantei then ruled that the case would continue, allowing the second prosecution witness to take the stand even after the defence team’s exit.
The dispute now hinges on the Supreme Court’s pending decision regarding the motion to prohibit.
Mr Adu-Boahene, his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, and two others are currently facing multiple charges, including theft, money laundering involving approximately GH¢49.1 million, causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.
A third accused person, Mildred Donkor, has turned state witness after charges against her were withdrawn.
Source: Adomonline
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