Six Nigerian students remanded

Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - Six Nigerian students of the University of Ghana, Legon, who allegedly conspired with their colleague to press an electric iron on a cleaner for allegedly stealing a laptop computer were on Thursday remanded in custody by an Accra Circuit Court. Oburu Chinedu Noble; Ogunnowo Omotope; Nwosu Ineanyi Chekwu Chimdi; Anyoako Nodebechukwu; Arinze Ohachenu Justice Somadina and Ibeyeye Sanni are being held for abetment of crime.

Omotope, who allegedly used the hot iron on Mr Philip Ettuh, is facing additional charges of causing harm and threat of death. They pleaded not guilty and would reappear on February 6. The Court is expected to rule on a bail application put in by Mr Thomas Ward-Brew, their counsel.

Chief Inspector Ben Darfour, the Prosecutor, said on January 21, a group of Nigerian students including Noble arrived on campus from Christmas holidays and engaged the services of Mr Ettuh to carry their luggage to their rooms.

On the same day Noble and his friends watched a movie on the laptop in their room.

At about 1500 hours on the same day, Noble locked his door and went out and when he returned in the evening, he detected that his laptop was missing.

At about 1100 hours the following day, while Mr Ettuh was at work, Noble confronted him about the missing laptop but he denied taking it. Noble with the assistance of the other accused persons forced Mr Ettuh into Noble's room and compelled him to confess after severe beatings.

Omotope further heated an electric iron and pressed it on Mr Ettuh's left shoulder and chest.

The Prosecution said when the Chief Porter and his assistant got wind of the incident, they went to Mr Ettuh's aid but Noble declined and threatened to stab Mr Ettuh with a broken bottle. The Chief Porter reported the incident to the Hall Secretary and Mr Ettuh was rescued.