Five remanded for Osu Homowo riots

Accra, Aug. 24, GNA - Five persons who allegedly caused the riot at last Tuesday's Homowo celebrations at Osu in Accra were on Thursday remanded in Police custody by an Accra Circuit Court. The accused persons, Nii Tette Fio, 29, a driver; Nii Abea Tackie, 25, a tailor; Ayittey Kwame Laryea, 30, and Kwame Nii Ansah, 20, both fishermen and Ishmael Quaye, 23, a student, all pleaded not guilty to rioting, causing unlawful harm and causing extensive damage. The Court ordered that they should be remanded until September 8 to establish perfect peace in Osu.

The Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police Eric Amoako told the Court that the Chiefs and people of Osu celebrated their annual Homowo on August 22.

He said while the Chief was sprinkling the traditional food, Kpokpoi in and around the palace, the accused persons and others numbering about 30 attacked him and his followers and threw stones at them.

DSP Amoako said some of the stones hit three people - Kwame Amoah; Ivy Odartey and Richard Coleman - who sustained various degrees of injuries.

He said some of the stones fell on the roof of Winfred Joseph Adotey causing extensive damage.

DSP Amoako said the Policeman on duty arrested the accused persons. He said the accused persons should be kept away from Osu for peace to prevail in the area.

Counsel for the accused Akwetey Yoyowah told the Court that the Police was misleading it. He said the accused persons were in their house eating Kpokpoi when the Police stormed there, started shooting and eventually arrested them.

"We will lead evidence to show that it is the Police and the complainants, who were engaged in an unlawful activity," he said.