Defence counsel for Deeba Acheampong, a musician facing extradition to the United Kingdom over alleged defilement and assault of his two step daughters, turned up in court on Tuesday.

Mr Augustine Obuor apologised to the court for not appearing in court saying he was held up in another court.

At today’s sitting Mr Obuor prayed the Osu District Magistrate Court to give him time to secure all the proceedings to enable him defend the accused person.

According to counsel, apart from the proceedings, he also would conduct research so he could deal with the issue appropriately.

The court expressed its readiness to provide defence counsel with proceedings today and entreated him to draw its attention whenever he had some difficulties in procuring any documents in respect of the matter.

“I wouldn’t allow anything to waste your time,’’ the trial judge declared.

The court said it was mindful of the need to protect the rights of the accused person as well as deal with the matter expeditiously; stressing that one issue could not override the other.

Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Principal State Attorney, did not oppose to defence counsel’s submission.

At the last sitting, Detective Lance Corporal Ali G. Briamah, the investigator, gave his evidence after which he was cross examined by Mr Bukari Abdulai, a friend of the court.

Mr Obuor the substantive lawyer was expected to continue with cross examination today.

The matter has been adjourned to February 28.

Deeba is facing five counts of defilement and assault under Ghana’s laws, raping a female under the age of 13 and assaulting a minor under the United Kingdom’s laws.

Although the charges and the facts have been read out to Deeba in court, his plea has been reserved.