Murder suspects refused bail

Kumasi, Dec. 9, GNA - Six people accused of the murder of a Police Constable in Kumasi, were denied bail when they appeared before a Kumasi Circuit Court on Wednesday, presided over by Mr Justice Emmanuel Amoh-Yartey.

The pleas of Mohammed Muftau, 27, Ali Salid, 24, Hafix Malik, Osei Tutu, 23, Mallam Abdul Samed, 23, Hafix Malik, 19 and Awudu Mamudu, 18, were not taken and would re-appear on December 22. An accomplice, known only as Sadat alias Rasta is, however, on the run. The accused persons have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and murder and the docket on the case has been referred to the Attorney General's office for advice.

Police Chief Inspector Archibald Kwesi Fandoh told the court that the deceased- Constable Frank Williams Blankson was with the Striking Force Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command. On September 20, the deceased and his colleague, Constable Ahmed Twumasi were on foot patrol duty at Danyame, around the Sweet Pub drinking spot.

He said at about midnight Twumasi left the deceased to attend to nature's call. Moments later, Constable Blankson saw the accused persons riding unregistered motorbikes and when he enquired why they were at the scene one Asoma, also deceased became irritated and slapped him as the rest pounced on him and attempted to snatch an AK 47 assault rifle he was wielding. In the ensuing struggle a bullet went off and hit Asoma who died from his injuries.

The accused chased Blankson to a nearby hotel- New Orleans, where Rasta, snatched the rifle from him and shot him in the stomach. They also assaulted him with bottles and pieces of cement block. Afterwards they conveyed Asoma to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Police investigations led to the arrest of the accused persons including Malik, who had disguised himself as a nursing mother, as he tried to flee to Tamale. 9 Dec. 10