Three Police investigators argue over accused in court

Accra Jan. 12, GNA - There was drama at the premises of the Cocoa Affairs Court in Accra on Monday when three Police investigators argued over who should take custody of a 48-year old businessman standing trial for fraud.

Eddie Bartels, who pleaded not guilty for defrauding and issuing dud cheques at an Accra Circuit Court, was the centre of attraction when the three investigators, who said there looking for him for similar crimes, for some years now, were eager to arrest him immediately to help in their investigations.

The investigators from James Town Police, Railways Police and the Police Headquarters were arguing over Bartels, when a fourth investigator from the Korle-Bu Police Station dropped a note seeking custody of the accused.

The Investigator from Railways Police finally had custody of the accused and whisked him away in a car.

An Accra Circuit Court had refused the accused bail for allegedly defrauding four persons of 273 million cedis. The Court chaired by Mr Williwise Kyeremeh refused Bartels bail when his counsel Mr Maurice Appau prayed for bail. Counsel said keeping the suspect in Police custody would only compound the problem

Prosecuting, Police Inspector Bennett Sarfo, in opposing bail for Bartels described him as 'slippery' adding, "he might not appear to stand trial if granted bail".

The Court, however, indicated that it would rule on the bail application on January 16.

Police Inspector Sarfo told the Court that the complainants were businessmen and women from whom the accused purchased some goods and had refused to pay for them.

Prosecution said in November, 2001, accused collected 3,000 reams of A4 photocopier papers valued at 70.5 million cedis from the Ghana Supply Commission paid 20 million cedis out of the amount but failed to pay for the rest and went into hiding.

He said in January 2002, the accused collected heavy-duty tyres from Tomny Anthonelly valued at 111 million cedis and made cash payment of 12 million cedis.

The Prosecution said the accused further issued cheques with a total face value of 50 million cedis as part payment, but the cheques were dishonoured.

The Prosecution said in August 2003 Bartels approached Felicia Gyani and Veronica Afi Nimfah, both of Beyeeman Cold Store and collected poultry products valued at 172 million cedis.

Inspector Sarfo said Bartels paid 40 million cedis and issued cheques with face value of 132 million cedis to pay for the rest but when the cheques were presented at a bank on August 28, 2003 they were dishonoured and the accused also failed to show up.

The Prosecution said on January 6, 2004, Bartels was arrested and during Police investigation he admitted the offences.